Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced the arrest of a 19-year-old man charged in connection with a double shooting that resulted in the death of a Union City man.
According to police, on October 5th at approximately 8:30 p.m., Jersey City Police Officers responded to a report of shots fired in the area of Central Avenue and Graham Street in Jersey City. Upon arrival, officers found McLaughlin unresponsive in the street in front of 490 Central Avenue.
The victim suffered from an apparent gunshot wound to his torso and also an apparent blunt force trauma injury to his head.
The responding officers immediately administered first aid to the victim. McLaughlin was subsequently transported to Jersey City Medical Center by Emergency Medical Services where he was pronounced dead at approximately 8:55 p.m.
A Medical Examiner has determined the cause of McLaughlin’s death to be a gunshot wound to his torso and the manner of death to be homicide.
A second male victim, 26, of Jersey City, was treated at the scene for injuries to his head and body. He was also transported by EMS to JCMC where he received treatment and was released.
Further investigations into the shooting led detectives to the arrest of Jose Mojica, 19, of Jersey City, for the murder of Donald McLaughlin III, 37, of Union City.
Authorities charged Mojica with Murder, a Possession of a Weapon (Handgun) for an Unlawful Purpose and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Handgun).
The Prosecutor’s Homicide Unit continues to actively investigate this case.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip on the Hudson County Prosecutor’s official website at: http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/ . All information will be kept confidential.
The above charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.