John Grover of Hillsborough killed
By:Staff Writer
Peter James Ciarletta, 28, of Warren Township and William Eugene Martin of North Plainfield were charged with the murder of Hillsborough resident John Grover at Gatto’s Sports Cafe.
According to Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne Forrest, the men shot Mr. Grover, 40, in the stomach and upper thigh at about 5 p.m. Sunday at the Camplain Road bar.
Mr. Martin is charged with having fired several rounds from a 9mm semi-automatic handgun after a verbal confrontation between both parties.
After shooting Mr. Grover, Mr. Ciarletta and Mr. Martin fled the scene in a red Jeep Wrangler, traveling towards Hillsborough, where Hillsborough police caught them.
Hillsborough police officers found a .22 caliber in the car as well as the 9 mm that was found on the ground after Mr. Martin threw it.
According to prosecutors, Mr. Ciarletta and Mr. Martin are affiliated with the Pagans motorcycle gang, although detectives are still investigating Mr. Grover’s relationship to the gang members.
Judge Paul Armstrong set bail for Mr. Ciarletta and Mr. Martin at $1,000,000 each.
Both men also face charges of possession of weapons.
See Thursday’s Manville News for more details.