July 3, 2024

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Prosecutors Office confirms that thirty-year-old Samier Vincent, 30, of Trenton died on June 27, 2024 as a result of a shooting on June 23, 2024.

It was reported that sometime after 1:30 a.m. on June 23, 2024 Trenton Police responded to the area of 100 Block of Walnut Avenue for a multiple shooting with three people shot. The victims were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center with critical injuries. No other information was available about the shooting.

Trenton Police and Mercer County Prosecutors Office are investigating the shooting.

UPDATE:

Trenton Man Arrested and Charged with Fatal Shooting

Names of the 2024 Trenton Homicide Victims

1. 01/13/2024 Eduardo Lopez-Cruz, 38, of Trenton, Shooting
2. 01/16/2024 Stefon Locke, 33, Shooting on 1/16 died 2/8/2024
3. 02/28/2024 Shawn Moore, 45, Trenton, Shooting
4. 03/19/2024 Donnell Jenkins age 52, Stabbing
5. 04/04/2024 Jose Alfredo Azcona Garcia, 46, of Trenton, Shooting
6. 05/01/2024 Jerome Francis, 43, of Hamilton
7. 05/01/2024 Chevaughn Fagan, 28, of Trenton
8. 05/19/2024 Stephon Fisher, 18, of Trenton, Shooting
9. 05/26/2024 Dwayne Penix, 20, of Trenton, Shooting
10. 06/11/2024 Johnathan Applegate
11. 06/23/2024 Samier Vincent, 30, of Trenton, Shooting, died 6/27/2024

This is the first homicide in the City of Trenton since June 1, 2022.

September 3, 2022

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a Friday evening double shooting in Trenton that left one man dead, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. on September 2, 2022, Trenton police received a Shot Spotter activation and several calls for a shooting. Patrol officers responded to the 200 block of Spring Street and located two shooting victims. Rasheed Barlow, 35, of Trenton, was pronounced dead a short time later. A 38-year-old man suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound to the leg. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406.  Information can also be emailed to [email protected]

Last night’s murder comes just days after the announcement made that there has not been any homicide in Trenton for three months since June 1, 2022.

Last night’s Breaking News story here:

BREAKING: At Least Two Shot On Spring Street In Trenton, NJ

Names of the 2022 homicide victims in the City of Trenton:

1. 2/15/2022 Antwone Barnes, 37, of Trenton, Stabbing
2. 2/23/2022 Leonardo Fernandez, 32, of Trenton, Stabbing
3. 3/01/2022 Shimon Nesmith Jr., 19, of Trenton, Shooting
4. 3/03/2022 Helen Nelson, 73, of Trenton, Physical Assault
5. 3/15/2022 Albert L. Barnes, 46, of Trenton, Shooting
6. 3/25/2022 Sequoya Bacon-Jones, 9, of Trenton, Shooting
7. 3/31/2022 Tahaad Goss, 16, of Trenton, Shooting
8. 4/07/2022 Jaquir Queen, 26, of Willingboro, Shooting
9. 4/09/2022 Leroy Davis, 31, of Trenton, Shooting
10. 5/01/2022 Jamir McNeil, 25 of Trenton, Shooting
11. 5/22/2022 Ali Abdullah, 25, of Trenton, Shooting
12. 6/01/2022 Dreiby Osorio, 16, of Trenton, Stabbing
13. 9/02/2022 Rasheed Barlow, 35, of Trenton, Shooting

The Spring Street shooting scene last night in Trenton. Photos by: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

June 24, 2021

By: Colin McCormick 

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—–Hamilton Township held their yearly flag retirement ceremony yesterday in Veterans Park. This service is to respectfully retire American flags in the proper absolute way. County Executive Brian M. Hughes and the Mercer County Office of Veteran Services invited the public to the official flag decommissioning ceremony Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. in Veterans Park. 

Each year, the Mercer County Office of Veteran Services partners with American Legion Post 31 and the Hamilton Township Patriotic Committee to host the time honored decommissioning of the American flags also commonly known as “Flag Retirement”. American flags that should be retired respectfully consist of, American flags that have become tattered, spoiled or are otherwise no longer fit for display will be burned in a dignified manner in a large pit during a ceremony.

The Fire was watched over by the Hamilton Township Fire Department Engine Company 18 and the Fire Marshall, to make sure all areas surrounding the pit were kept safe. The flags are not allowed to be put out; they must burn out on their own.

Veteran Services have collected thousands of flags eligible for retirement from American Legion Post 31, private homes, the veterans section of Greenwood Cemetery in Hamilton and Government offices. Since last year’s services were canceled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Veteran Services had more flags to retire than usual. “The flag of the United States symbolizes the values we hold dear and seek to defend, such as liberty, equality, opportunity, democracy and inclusion,” Mr. Hughes said. “It deserves a special sendoff, and on June 23 we will demonstrate a proper way to retire an American flag.”

This year’s service has guests from the Robbinsville JROTC, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, and Hamilton troop 7275. 

Hamilton’s Mayor Jeff Martin, Mercer County Executive Brian M Hughes, and Medina Wilson, spoke about the flag and the flag’s meaning, and why we should honor the flag. Mayor Martin said “It is great to see so many young people here to see the proper way to retire the flag and to understand the flag’s true meaning”. 

September 27, 2021

BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–On Monday afternoon, at 3:30 p.m., Emergency Responders answered a call of a house fire at 31 Bay Way in the Bay Harbor section of Brick. Upon arrival a heavy smoke and fire condition was observed. Strong winds helped to spread the fire quickly. The resident of 31 Bay Way, who was home at the time, was uninjured, but the home was completely destroyed.

The wind driven fire caused extensive damage to the upper portion of the house next door at 29 Bay Way. In addition spot fires on at least one area property were extinguished. The only injury was that of one of the fire fighters who suffered a minor burn that was treated by EMS on the scene.

The fire quickly reached a third alarm bringing Brick Township fire companies, Pioneer Hose, Breton Woods, Laurelton, and Herbertsville. In addition, the Point Pleasant Boro, Point Pleasant Beach, Silverton and East Dover fire companies also responded, along with the Police and the Brick Police EMS. Jackson and Lakewood covered the township’s fire houses while Brick Township’s fire and mutual aid companies worked to extinguish the fire.

The fire is being investigated by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the Brick Police Detective Bureau and the Brick Fire Safety Bureau.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Brick Fire Safety Bureau Chief Kevin Batzel at 732-458-4100. No further information is being released at this time.

January 24, 2022

BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 2:45 p.m. Brick Police received multiple 9-1-1 calls for a possible structure fire at 171 Walnut Drive. Herbertsville 2471 was first due to the fire as the fire station is down the road. When firefighters arrived, they reported heavy fire throughout a 2-story wood frame. Firefighters put the deck gun in service with the tank water and protected the D exposure as there was an issue with the fire possibly spreading to other structures. Stations 23,22,21 and 75 also responded to the scene. Firefighters put two master streams into service and knocked the fire down. The cause of the fire is and is under investigation by the Brick Township Police Department and the Fire Bureau.

Story, photos and video by: Ryan Mack, Jersey Shore Fire Response

September 16, 2021

BRIELLE, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has officially certified, and is pleased to announce, the catch of a new state record saltwater fish.

George Hanakis of Perth Amboy, reeled in the new state record Gray Tilefish on September 1, 2021. The fish weighed in at 23 pounds, 8 ounces, eclipsing the previous state record by 4 ounces and measured 34” in length with a girth of 25”. George was bottom fishing from the boat, Jamaica, captained by Howard Bogan, Jr. They were located in Wilmington Canyon when he caught the tilefish with a Shimano Terez rod, a Gamakatsu lure and a Daiwa reel with 100 pound test braided line.

For more information on the Record Fish Program, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/recfish.htm

July 20, 2021 — Updated with statement from Police Director Wilson

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force is investigating two separate shooting homicides that occurred in Trenton on Monday, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

Trenton police responded to the area of 14 Breunig Avenue at approximately 1:45 p.m. on July 19, 2021.  Officers located William Mitchell, 33, of Trenton, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds at the Breunig Avenue Park.  He was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center and pronounced dead a short time later. 

A few hours later, just after 8 p.m., Trenton police were called out to a Shot Spotter activation on Ellsworth Avenue.  Jermel Carter, 38, of Trenton, was found on the side of 57 Ellsworth Avenue unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

There have been no arrests and both cases are actively being investigated.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406.  Information can also be emailed to [email protected].

Each life lost to violent crime is a horrible tragedy to the family and friends of the victims and the community at large. Our community will not tolerate this deadly outbreak and through its police department and local, state and federal law enforcement partners, we will push back against the violence.

I have met with our law enforcement partners and will continue to do so in order to form a joint operational task force specifically designed to proactively target violence and violent offenders. The use of technology, including the Real Time Crime Center and Shot Spotter, is key in our law enforcement efforts. Just recently, we’ve also been able to strengthen our Shooting Response Team thanks to the support of Sheriff Kemler and Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri. I will meet with Colonel Callahan and his staff at the N.J. State Police tomorrow, in addition to representatives of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. I will also be scheduling a meeting with the FBI. I will use every resource available to combat the crime in this City.

Names of 2021* homicide victims: 

1. 2/18/2021 Jabree Saunders, 26, from shooting on May 14, 2018
2. 2/22/2021 Khalil Gibbs, 25, of West Windsor, shooting
3. 2/25/2021 Lovelle Laramore, 60, of Trenton shooting
4. 4/15/2021 Kaheem Carter, 22, of Trenton, shooting
5. 4/20/2021 Shaquan McNeil, 25, of Trenton, shooting
6. 4/24/2021 Cheryl Jones, 65, of Trenton, shooting
7. 4/29/2021 Ramire Harvey, 25, of Trenton, shooting
8. 5/15/2021 David Williams 36, of Trenton, shooting
9. 5/29/2021 Edgar Geovani Sis-Luis, 34, of Trenton, aggravated manslaughter
10. 7/05/2021 Dion Ellis, 16, Trenton, Shooting
11. 7/14/2021 Pablo Herrera Chun, 53, Trenton, Shooting
12. 7/19/2021 William Mitchell, 33, Trenton, Shooting
13. 7/19/2021 Jermel Carter, 38, Trenton, Shooting

*Updated to reflect the person who died in 2021 from complications from a shooting on May 14, 2018 as per medical examiner report.

Trenton police responded to the area of 14 Breunig Avenue at approximately 1:45 p.m. on July 19, 2021.  Officers located William Mitchell, 33, of Trenton, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds at the Breunig Avenue Park.  He was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center and pronounced dead a short time later. 

June 2, 2024

NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Joseph Battaglia of the North Brunswick Police Department announced today that a Kendall Park man has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred on North Oaks Boulevard in the township of North Brunswick.

On June 1, 2024, at approximately 10:38 P.M., North Brunswick Police Department received a 911 call reporting a gun shot victim. Upon their arrival, to the residence on North Oaks Boulevard authorities located Mark Song, 24, of Kendall Park, who sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Initial investigation led by Detective Errol McCalla of the North Brunswick Police Department and Detective Jose Rosario of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined that Saad Salahie, 24, of Kendall Park, was the perpetrator. Salahie knew the victim, preliminary investigation indicates that this was an accidental shooting.

On June 2, 2024, Salahie was arrested without incident and charged with second-degree Reckless Manslaughter and second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.

Anyone with information or surveillance footage is asked to contact Detective McCalla of the North Brunswick Police Department at 732-247- 0922 ext. 311 or Detective Rosario of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732 745-3289.

As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Salahie are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Update:

Pennsylvania Man Charged With Plainsboro Murder

October 27, 2021

PLAINSBORO, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Fred Tavener of the Plainsboro Police Department announce a Pennsylvania man has been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of a Township man.

On October 26, 2021, at approximately 3:38 A.M., authorities responded to a residence on Briardale Court following a report of shots fired. Upon their arrival, officers located Sree Aravapalli, 54, of Plainsboro who sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Aravapalli was transported from the scene to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

An investigation by Detective William Atkinson of the Plainsboro Police Department and Detective Paul Kelley of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined Aravapalli was fatally shot in his home during an attempted robbery. The investigation ultimately determined Jekai Reid- John, 27, of Norristown, PA targeted Aravapalli in Pennsylvania and followed him home to his Plainsboro residence where the offense occurred.

Although the investigation is continuing and other charges are expected, Reid-John was arrested and charged yesterday with one count of first-degree murder.

Reid-John was taken into police custody by local authorities in Pennsylvania where he remains pending an extradition hearing. Upon his return to New Jersey, he will be lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center pending a pre-trial detention hearing in Superior Court.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Atkinson of the Plainsboro Police Department at (609)799-2333 or Detective Kelley of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732)745-3330.

As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Reid- John are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Plainsboro Murder Under Investigation

December 30, 2024

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–An investigation conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force (MCHTF), the Trenton Shooting Response Team and the New Jersey State Police’s Intelligence & Criminal Enterprise Section – Crime Suppression Central Unit has resulted in the arrest of a Trenton man for the shooting death of a 44-year-old city resident, Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey announced.

Najir Tripp, 29, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and one count of second-degree certain persons not to possess a weapon.  He was arrested on Sunday, December 29, during a search warrant execution at his Trenton residence.  The prosecutor’s office will file a motion to detain him pending trial.

At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024, Trenton police responded to the 300 block of West Hanover Street on a ShotSpotter activation for more than 20 rounds.  Responding officers arrived on scene to discover the victim, later identified as Michael Jones, 44, of Trenton, in the driver’s seat of a black Mercedes sedan suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  Jones was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he died the next day.

The investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Ryan Minnick at (609) 989-6406 or Sgt. 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.

Names of the 2024 Trenton Homicide Victims

1. 01/13/2024 Eduardo Lopez-Cruz, 38, of Trenton, Shooting
2. 01/16/2024 Stefon Locke, 33, Shooting on 1/16 died 2/8/2024
3. 02/28/2024 Shawn Moore, 45, Trenton, Shooting
4. 03/19/2024 Donnell Jenkins age 52, Stabbing
5. 04/04/2024 Jose Alfredo Azcona Garcia, 46, of Trenton, Shooting
6. 05/01/2024 Jerome Francis, 43, of Hamilton
7. 05/01/2024 Chevaughn Fagan, 28, of Trenton
8. 05/19/2024 Stephon Fisher, 18, of Trenton, Shooting
9. 05/26/2024 Dwayne Penix, 20, of Trenton, Shooting
10. 06/01/2024 Shydasia Merrick, 26, of Trenton (Hit and Run)
11. 06/11/2024 Johnathan Applegate
12. 06/23/2024 Samier Vincent, 30, of Trenton, Shooting, died 6/27/2024
13. 07/02/2024 Capriest Ruiz, 23, of Camden, Shooting, died on 2/3/2024
14. 07/04/2024 Amir Williams, 32, of Trenton, Shooting
15. 07/12/2024 Johny Emmanuel Cruz-Rodrigez, Shooting
16. 07/14/2024 Luis Torres Marrero, 47, of Trenton, Shooting 7/9/2024
17. 09/22/2024 Opium Leverette, 17, of Trenton, Shooting
18. 12/08/2024 Kristoffer Givens, 47, of Ewing, Shooting
19. 12/22/2024 Shakeem Lemach Davis, 32, of Trenton, Shooting
20. 12/27/2024 Michael Jones, 44, of Trenton, Shooting

Homicide Victims in Mercer County outside of Trenton: