By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Mercer County announced that an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department has resulted in the arrest of one individual for a homicide that occurred on Halloween night during a disturbance in the city.
Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey stated that Jemair Austin, 18, of Trenton, is charged with first-degree murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.
He was arrested on November 14 in Trenton by members of the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force, MCPO officials say. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Austin pending trial.
According to Mercer County officials, on Friday, October 31, at approximately 10:01 p.m., officers from the Trenton Police Department responded to the first block of East Hanover Street in response to numerous 911 calls reporting a large disturbance.
Calls continued to come in describing several different events to the police, including a large group of juveniles involved in physical altercations and instances of individuals being stabbed or shot, Mercer County officials said.
Mercer County authorities say upon arrival at the scene, Trenton patrol officers located a single victim in the street suffering from an apparent stab wound to his throat.
The victim, identified as Gussiah McEachern, 17, of Trenton, was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, where he was ultimately pronounced deceased from the fatal wound, according to Mercer County officials.
MCPO officials stated that more than 100 individuals were present in the street, and cars were at a complete gridlock in the 100 block of East Hanover Street, as seen in footage of the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, Mercer County officials said. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective James Rickey at (609) 989-6406.