The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability released on Mar. 17 mobile video recorder and surveillance footage related to a fatal vehicle collision that occurred on November 9, 2025, in West Deptford. The incident resulted in the death of Jose M. Martinez, age 42, of Lindenwold, and is currently under investigation by the office.
The release of the footage follows policies established by the Attorney General to ensure fair and transparent investigations into fatal police encounters. Representatives for Mr. Martinez’s family were given an opportunity to review the recordings before they were made public.
According to the investigation, officers from the West Deptford Police Department responded around 6:00 p.m. to a report about two apparently intoxicated males. Patrolman Conor Goggin attempted to stop a car matching the description provided but the driver sped away, ran a red light at Hessian and Red Bank Avenues, and collided with another vehicle driven by Mr. Martinez. The crash killed Martinez and injured his passenger.
The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office is prosecuting George Linard, age 24, who was driving the fleeing car. Linard faces charges including two counts of aggravated manslaughter, eluding police, death by auto, four counts of aggravated assault, and fraudulent possession of a government license after allegedly providing false identification. Authorities note that these are accusations only and Linard is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The Attorney General’s Office is required under state law N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2) to investigate deaths occurring during encounters with law enforcement or while individuals are in custody; such cases must be presented to a grand jury for possible indictment against involved officers.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property while upholding legal standards across all counties and municipalities according to its official website. The office influences public safety through law enforcement oversight and provides services such as legal representation for the state, crime lab support, victim advocacy, consumer protection initiatives, regulation enforcement, and more according to its official website.
Further information about how fatal police encounters are investigated can be found on the Attorney General’s website.