April 13, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that an investigation conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force (MCHTF) and the Trenton Shooting Response Team has resulted in the arrest of a Trenton man for the shooting death of Jose Alfredo Azcona Garcia.
Kareem Pygum, 43, of Trenton, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault and three weapons offenses, including certain persons not to possess a weapon. He was arrested on Hudson Street in Trenton on April 10 by members of the MCHTF and the Trenton Police Department. At the time of Pygum’s arrest, he was found in possession of a small quantity of crack cocaine and a .38 Smith & Wesson revolver. Additional charges were filed. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Pygum pending trial.
Just after 8 p.m. on April 4, 2024, Trenton police responded to the 500 block of N. Clinton Avenue on reports of a shooting in progress. Upon arrival, officers located two adult victims suffering gunshot wounds. A male victim sustained a gunshot to his head and a female victim sustained a gunshot wound to her shoulder. Both victims were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment. Jose Alfredo Azcona Garcia, 46, of Trenton, who sustained the gunshot wound to the head, died on April 9 as a result of his injuries. A third adult male victim who sustained a graze wound to his left cheek was later discovered.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Ryan Minnick at (609) 273-7293 or OIC William Jett Jr. at (609) 331-5010. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Kareem Pygum, 43, of Trenton, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault and three weapons offenses, including certain persons not to possess a weapon. He was arrested on Hudson Street in Trenton on April 10 by members of the MCHTF and the Trenton Police Department. At the time of Pygum’s arrest, he was found in possession of a small quantity of crack cocaine and a .38 Smith & Wesson revolver. Additional charges were filed. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Pygum pending trial.
Names of the 2024 Trenton Homicide Victims
- 01/13/2024 Eduardo Lopez-Cruz, 38, of Trenton, Shooting
- 02/28/2024 Shawn Moore, 45, Trenton, Shooting
- 03/19/2024 Donnell Jenkins age 52, Stabbing
- 04/04/2024 Jose Alfredo Azcona Garcia, 46, of Trenton, Shooting
- 05/01/2024 Jerome Francis, 43, of Hamilton
- 05/01/2024 Chevaughn Fagan, 28, of Trenton
- 05/19/2024 Stephon Fisher, 18, of Trenton, Shooting