Legal Proceedings Unfold
Ernest Heinz, an actor recognized for his role in an episode of The Sopranos, is now confronting serious legal consequences after a violent encounter on September 11. A grand jury recently issued an indictment comprising 31 charges against him.
The events began when Maritza Arias-Galva reported being shot in the face during a road rage altercation near Stockton University in Galloway Township, New Jersey. She provided a detailed description of the assailant to authorities, noting he was a White male with blonde hair in a ponytail, operating a white Honda SUV.
Law enforcement utilized this information to locate Heinz, 46, at a nearby residence, leading to his arrest. Initial charges included criminal attempt homicide, aggravated assault with a firearm, and weapons possession offenses.
Further investigation revealed that firearms were discovered in a storage unit Heinz allegedly visited shortly after the shooting. Prosecutors stated during a detention hearing that Heinz told the victim, “I’m going to kill you.”
Security footage captured Heinz returning to Port Republic, New Jersey, armed with a handgun within minutes of the incident. He was observed retrieving bags containing a rifle and items from Wawa, which were later found in the storage unit rented by a friend.
Heinz is accused of using a .380 caliber firearm registered in his father's name during the attack. At the time, he was driving a white Honda CRV registered to his mother.
The arraignment is scheduled for January 30, 2026, and Heinz remains in custody pending trial. The victim, Maritza Arias-Galva, recounted her experience to The Philadelphia Inquirer while recovering at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital on September 13.
“I know that kind of person, because I work customer service. I just said, ‘Thank you, sir.’ And he said he was taking my life today,” she recalled.
She emphasized her focus on her children during the ordeal, stating, “I was thinking, I need to survive this. I’m the only family they have in New Jersey.”
