Newark, New Jersey – A tragic shooting on Saturday evening claimed the lives of two individuals, including a 10-year-old boy, leaving the community in shock and prompting urgent calls from local officials for the suspects to come forward. The incident unfolded around 7 p.m. near Chancellor Avenue and Wainwright Street, where Newark police rapid response teams discovered multiple victims after reports of gunfire.
The fatalities were identified as Jordan Garcia, who was just 10 years old, and 21-year-old Kiyah Mae Scott. Both victims were rushed to University Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Three others sustained injuries, including Garcia’s older brother, an 11-year-old boy, and two adult males, aged 19 and 60. As of the latest reports, the younger brother and the 60-year-old remain hospitalized in stable condition, while the 19-year-old is in critical condition.
Surveillance video from the scene depicted a group gathered outside a liquor store when two armed attackers began firing indiscriminately into the crowd. The brazen nature of the attack, occurring in a public space during early evening hours, has heightened concerns about safety throughout Newark.
During a news conference on Monday, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II characterized the recent violence as a dark moment for the region. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has made a public plea for anyone involved in the shooting to surrender, emphasizing the need for justice before the day concludes.
Newark’s Public Safety Director, Emanuel Miranda, expressed the emotional weight of the situation, recalling the devastation witnessed at the hospital. He described the heartbreaking sounds of grieving mothers as unforgettable. Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones denounced the shooters’ actions as cowardly, calling for accountability in the wake of this tragedy.
As of Monday, no arrests had been made, although various law enforcement agencies are working collaboratively on the investigation. The Essex County sheriff’s office has offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information that could lead to apprehending the culprits.
Family members of the victims have been left reeling from their profound losses. Annette Ryan, Kiyah Mae Scott’s mother, shared that her daughter had stepped out briefly for an errand when her life was cut short. She mourns not only for Kiyah but also for the pain of losing another daughter to cancer in 2018.
The local community came together on Sunday night to support the grieving families, with attendees reflecting on young Jordan Garcia’s talent and love for football. Schools in the area have implemented grief counseling services for students and staff, recognizing the impact of the tragedy on the broader community.
Mayor Baraka visited the victims’ families over the weekend and later joined community members at Chancellor Avenue School, where he witnessed the emotional aftermath of the incident. He acknowledged the ongoing efforts to reduce violence in Newark while recognizing the significant challenges still ahead.
Despite the recent violence, it is noteworthy that Newark has experienced a marked decrease in overall homicides in recent years. In 2022, the city recorded 81 homicides; however, the count for this year stands at 38 so far. This shooting represents a setback in a trend towards improving public safety, particularly in the precinct where it occurred.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, emphasizing the gravity of the situation, urged residents to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers, highlighting how this tragedy resonates beyond the city.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities encouraging anyone with pertinent information to step forward. Anonymity is assured for those who wish to provide tips to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. As community members grapple with the shock of such violence in their neighborhood, the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery has begun providing support to the affected families.
As Newark moves forward from this tragic event, the community is rallying behind the victims’ families, focusing on both justice for the victims and measures to prevent future violence. Collaboration between law enforcement and community members will be vital in achieving healing and fostering safety in Newark’s neighborhoods.