Press Release

Press Releases << FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER AND UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A WEAPON

For Immediate Release:
December 10, 2023

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of DAVID ALLEN HAGAL (DOB: 03/14/1963; unemployed) of 552 Haddon Place, Franklin Lakes, NJ, on charges of murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Jason Love and the Franklin Lakes Police Department under the direction of Officer in Charge Captain Mark McCombs.

On Sunday, December 10, 2023, at approximately 7:33 a.m., the Franklin Lakes Police Department was notified of a deceased individual located within 552 Haddon Place. Officers from the Franklin Lakes Police Department responded to the residence and confirmed that the victim, 87-year-old George J. Hagal, was deceased. Detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Franklin Lakes Police Department conducted an investigation and determined that in the early morning hours of Sunday, December 10, 2023, DAVID ALLEN HAGAL killed George J. Hagal.

On Sunday, December 10, 2023, DAVID ALLEN HAGAL was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1); two counts of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4(d); and two counts of fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5(d).

Prosecutor Musella states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. He would like to thank the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and the Franklin Lakes Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.