A college student at New Jersey City University was recently shot and killed by a stray bullet during an altercation outside the club “LOFT” on Washington Street.
According to police, two suspects were immediately arrested in connection with the killing and charged with murder, conspiracy, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Bail for both suspects was set at $750,000.
However, Newark police are now searching for a third suspect in the shooting. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has released a photo showing the suspect, who is described as a light-skinned male standing about 5 feet, 5 inches tall.
Authorities are asking that anyone with information on the shooting please call the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office anonymous tip line at 877-847-7432. Additionally, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office Crimestoppers program is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person in the photograph.
Even if the suspects in the shooting are not convicted of murder, they are still subject to significant penalties because New Jersey has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose can be classified as a second degree, third degree, or fourth degree offense, depending upon the circumstances. This means that they could be sentenced to up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison simply for the weapons offenses.
For more information pertaining to this investigation, access the following NJ.com article: “Third man sought in Newark killing of college student in December.”
