By: Richard L. Smith
A 19-year-old Rahway man has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal shooting that claimed the life of an Elizabeth resident late last month, according to Union County Prosecutor William Daniel, Elizabeth Police Chief Giacomo Sacca, and Elizabeth Police Director Earl Graves.
Authorities announced that Bryan Calderon has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, and second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun in connection with the death of Franklin Mendez, 23, of Elizabeth.
Police responded to Caldwell Place during the early morning hours of May 30 after receiving reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers found Mendez suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators later identified Calderon as a suspect. On June 2, members of the United States Marshals Service located and arrested him in Garden City, Georgia.
Calderon is currently being held at the Chatham County Detention Center pending extradition back to New Jersey to face the charges.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force Detective Scott Chertoff at (908) 358-9162.
Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding a possible motive for the shooting.