Police officer ends her own life in Atlantic County
Jan. 26, 2009

MAYS LANDING – A local police officer died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound Saturday, Atlantic County Prosecutor Ted Housel stated Monday.

Maria Parziale, 42, of the 100 Block of Independence Trail in Egg Harbor Township, was discovered fatally shot in the head the night of the incident, Prosecutor Housel said.

Atlantic County Medical Examiner Dr. Hydow Park performed an autopsy Saturday night. He determined Parziale died from a single gunshot wound to the head and ruled it a suicide.

Authorities received a 911 call shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday. Egg Harbor Township Police and Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit Sgt. Michael Quigley responded to the scene.

Parziale, was a police officer for nine years at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in Galloway Township, was off-duty at the time of her death, Prosecutor Housel said.

Dr. Park pronounced Parziale dead at the scene.