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Crime & Safety

Man Who Allegedly Killed Paramus Valedictorian Committed For Psych Evaluation

After sitting in Somerset County Jail for weeks, Dover resident Philip Cise, who allegedly struck and killed Paramus High School graduate Gabby Reuveni, was sent to the Ann Klein Forensic Center for evaluation to determine if he can stand trial.

While authorities await toxicology reports to determine if Philip Cise will face criminal charges for allegedly striking and killing Paramus resident Gabby Reuveni while driving in Pennsylvania, the Dover resident was transported to Ann Klein Forensic Center on Saturday.

The move comes after Cise received a psychological screening at Somerset Medical Center. 

The Ann Klein Forensic Center, a 200-bed psychiatric hospital in West Trenton that specializes in crisis stabilization, is part of the state’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, which falls under the Department of Human Services, and exclusively treats individuals with mental illness in the legal system.

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Pam Ronan, a public information officer for the center, could not speak specifically to Cise’s case due to patient confidentiality, but did say anyone admitted to Ann Klein Forensic Center is done so involuntarily.

“It could be a temporary commitment until a court review is done by a judge within 20 days,” said Ronan.

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Generally speaking, a judge will evaluate the information provided by the Ann Klein Forensic Center, along with screenings from previous centers, in conjunction with the criminal history of an individual before a judge decides if a person is fit to stand trial or if they need an extension for further evaluation, Ronan said.

The center also determines what the medical needs and history are of a patient, and whether or not the individual needs to be medicated in order to stand trial in court.    

Ronan said while most individuals are admitted for short term stays and then released directly to detaining authorities, some can be transferred to another state hospital or psychiatric center for a longer term.

There is no set limit on how long an individual can undergo evaluation.         

“Some people have a longer term, some have a shorter term stay,” Ronan said. “It’s so highly individual.”   

Before arriving at the Ann Klein Forensic Center, Cise spent several weeks at the Somerset County Jail for charges related to several incidents at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster on June 30 where he allegedly for the purpose of raising funds for a ficticious 9/11 foundation.

According to Gasper Lostocco, a jail officer at the Somerset County Jail, Cise was isolated from the general population of inmates for his protection and the protection of inmates.     

Lostocco said Cise underwent evaluation at the Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services at Somerset Medical Center to determine if he was committable.

“There were enough signs where they feel this guy is unstable and needs a psychiatric facility and more intense help,” said Lostocco. “And they can determine if the guy is faking it [insanity] or if he’s for real.”

Like Ronan, Lostocco said Cise could end up in a psychiatric facility for years if Cise is found to be incapable to stand trial due to insanity, and because there is not time limit to make that determination.

Cise still faces weapons charges after allegedly wielding an ax while demanding free food at a Rockaway McDonald's restaurant on July 2, according to NJ.com.

Days later, Cise was arrested for allegedly stealing a truck from a Jefferson Township driveway. Authorities said the vehicle was recovered and returned to the owner. Cise was released on bail. 

A week later, on July 14, a witness saw Cise driving erratically over the double-yellow lines on a Poconos road and hit Reuveni from behind, according to authorities. A sobriety test was conducted, but Cise was released pending the results, authorities said.

The following night, Cise plowed into a utility pole with a different vehicle in Lake Hiawatha, police said. Cise was uninjured but officers discovered the Bedminster arrest warrant related to the golf course, arrested Cise and turned him over to Bedminster Township Police.

Cise still faces charges stemming from all the incidents, and bail is currently set at $75,000.

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