NJ police shoot 68-year-old woman wielding a knife, captured in video footage.

Bodycam footage released by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General has revealed the circumstances surrounding a fatal police shooting in New Brunswick that occurred on August 8, 2025. The incident involved Deborah Terrell, a 68-year-old woman armed with a 12-inch knife, who was shot by officers responding to a call about her behavior.

Law enforcement officers first encountered Terrell around 4 a.m. on the morning of the incident after receiving reports of her disturbing residents in an apartment building on Neilson Street. Initially, Terrell refused to engage with the officers, not opening her door when they attempted to communicate.

Later that morning, at approximately 7:30 a.m., police returned to the scene following a 911 call indicating that Terrell was threatening other tenants with a knife. Upon arrival, officers observed Terrell wielding the weapon, prompting them to order her to drop the knife. Rather than comply, Terrell reportedly closed and bolted her apartment door and claimed there was a man inside with her. In an apparent attempt to provoke the officers, she allegedly displayed the knife repeatedly from beneath the door.

According to the prosecutorial report, Terrell eventually opened her door, stepping into the hallway while still brandishing the knife and allegedly challenging the officers with a “C’mon” remark. In response to the escalating situation, police first deployed a Taser and pepper spray to subdue her. While briefly retreating into her apartment, Terrell then advanced towards the officers, knife in hand.

Video footage shows that an officer then discharged their firearm, firing two shots at Terrell, who subsequently collapsed to the ground. Emergency medical services transported her to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

A knife consistent with the reports—a 12-inch blade—was recovered at the scene of the incident. The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General has confirmed that the incident remains under active investigation. This case adds to the increasing scrutiny of police use of force, particularly in situations involving individuals in mental distress or crisis. The incident has raised questions about protocols in de-escalating confrontations with armed individuals, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue surrounding law enforcement practices across the nation.

For further details on the investigation and related developments, please refer to updates from credible news sources.