Kevin Clervil Obituary, Death – Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that took place early Monday morning in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, following a 911 call reporting a possible break-in. The incident resulted in the death of Kevin Clervil, a man from East Orange, who was found with multiple gunshot wounds outside a home on Summit Avenue.
The Phillipsburg Police Department responded to the call just after 4:30 a.m. Monday. A resident from the 100 block of Summit Avenue dialed 911 and informed police that someone was attempting to force their way into the home. According to the caller, there was an active effort to “forcibly gain entry” into the residence at the time of the emergency call.
When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered a man—later identified as 33-year-old Kevin Clervil—lying outside the home with several gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel quickly responded, and Clervil was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital Warren Campus in an attempt to save his life. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
As the investigation unfolded, authorities determined that Clervil and the person who made the 911 call were acquainted. However, officials have not released the name of the caller or the specific nature of the relationship between the two individuals. The identity of the shooter has also not been disclosed, and no arrests have been reported as of now.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear. It has not been publicly confirmed whether Clervil was the alleged intruder described in the 911 call or if there may have been other factors involved in the confrontation. The police have also not clarified whether Clervil was armed or posed a threat at the time of the shooting.
Law enforcement officials are continuing to gather evidence and interview potential witnesses to piece together what happened during the early morning hours. Investigators are working to determine the motive behind the shooting and whether it was a case of self-defense, a dispute gone wrong, or something else entirely.
The Phillipsburg Police Department is working closely with other law enforcement agencies as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have urged members of the public who may have any information related to the case to come forward. Anyone with details that could help move the investigation forward is asked to contact the Phillipsburg Police Department at 908-835-2002.
News of the shooting has stunned the quiet residential neighborhood where it occurred. Residents on Summit Avenue woke up to flashing lights and a heavy police presence, with many unsure of what had transpired until details emerged later in the morning. Several neighbors described the area as generally peaceful and were surprised that such a violent incident had taken place there.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said they were shocked to hear gunfire that early in the morning. “I’ve lived here for years and never heard anything like that. It’s very unsettling,” the neighbor said. “We didn’t know if someone was still out there, and everyone was scared to even look out the window.”
Police cordoned off the scene for several hours as crime scene investigators examined the area for clues. Shell casings and other physical evidence were reportedly recovered near the front of the home. Detectives are reviewing any available surveillance footage from neighboring properties and canvassing the area to speak with people who may have heard or seen something useful to the case.
The family of Kevin Clervil has been notified of his death and is grieving the loss. Loved ones described him as a complex individual but say they are waiting for all the facts to come out before drawing conclusions. “Kevin didn’t deserve to die like this,” said a relative. “We just want to know what really happened and why.”
As of now, authorities have not confirmed whether the shooter will face charges, or whether the use of deadly force was justified under the circumstances. That determination is likely to come after a thorough review of the facts and consultation with the county prosecutor’s office.
This incident highlights the difficult questions that can arise in cases involving suspected break-ins and the use of firearms. New Jersey law allows for self-defense under certain conditions, particularly when someone believes their life is in danger. However, each case is judged based on its unique facts, and legal consequences can vary.
As the investigation continues, residents of Phillipsburg are left looking for answers. Community members hope that the full story will come to light and that justice—whatever form it may take—will be served for all involved. Police are expected to release more details in the coming days as they make progress in the case.