SOMERVILLE, N.J. – New details have emerged in the murder case of an anti-drug activist featured in a Grieving Out Loud podcast episode. As Emily’s Hope reported earlier this month, 27-year-old Maryrose Fealey was found stabbed to death outside of a residential complex in Somerville, New Jersey, on January 30th.
Several news sources, including The Daily Mail, report that the accused killer, David Shroitman, had a step-by-step guide on how to kill his former classmate. Shroitman and Fealey both attended Somerville High School, graduating together in 2014. The Daily Mail reports that police said there was no evidence of a romantic relationship between the pair, but they did know each other.
“He does have a significant mental health history and presently suffers from severe migraines and other medical conditions,” attorney Emma Pallarino told a Somerset County court, according to The Daily Mail.
The Daily Mail also writes that there have been unconfirmed reports that Shroitman followed her home from a gym on the night of the murder.
Fealey had gained social media fame after sharing her brother, Ian’s, struggles with substance use disorder on TikTok. Maryrose and Ian were also featured in an eye-opening documentary. Brut Documentary followed the brother and sister for almost a month while Ian suffered through withdrawals and cravings.
Shroitman is scheduled to be back in court on March 22nd. In addition to first-degree murder, he is also charged with third-degree possession of a weapon, fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence, and third-degree hindering investigation.