NJ school security guard murdered while off-duty
Millstone Township NJ August 11 2022
A Slate Belt man who worked as a school security guard has died after being shot in New Jersey, and an acquaintance has been charged in his murder, prosecutors say.
Gerard “Jerry” Carpinello, 49, of Portland, was shot in the early morning of July 10 at a private home in Millstone Township, Monmouth County.
Police were called for the shooting at 3:15 a.m., and the Asbury Park Press reported Carpinello was the one who called 911 and told a dispatcher he was shot twice in the stomach.
New Jersey State Police found Carpinello at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds. He reportedly told troopers, “I thought we were friends and he started shooting me.”
David A. Bulk, 71, was found sitting in a recliner in the home’s living room with a cocked revolver on an end table next to him, the newspaper reported. Bulk was immediately taken into custody and was initially charged with attempted murder.
Carpinello was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he died from his injuries on Friday, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office said.
Bulk was released on conditions following a Superior Court hearing, but was re-arrested Monday at his home when the charge was upgraded to murder, prosecutors said. Bulk’s attorney, Thomas V. Campo, declined to comment on the allegations.
Anyone with any information about the shooting should contact Detective Brian Migliorisi at 800-533-7443 or New Jersey State Trooper Keith Ashley at 609-584-5000.
Carpinello is survived by his wife of 20 years and his two daughters. A GoFundMe campaign has been established for his family.
“Jerry had a special relationship with his two daughters, staying home with them as babies, and these are his two greatest accomplishments,” according to his obituary.
Carpinello was known as Mr. C in his work as a security guard for the Bangor School District, and also worked at Tuscarora Inn and Conference Center in Mt. Bethel.
Carpinello’s services are scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday at Mt. Bethel Church, 1270 Belvidere Corner Road in Mt. Bethel. The family has requested guests wear blue, “as Jerry’s blue eyes could brighten up a room. And please remember we are here to celebrate the life he lived not how he died.”
