By: Richard L. Smith
Another alarming shooting in Newark’s South Ward last night highlights a disturbing spike in gun violence affecting local youth.
According to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda at, approximately 8:13 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, officers were called to the intersection of Avon and Jelliff Avenues after receiving reports of a shooting.
Authorities discovered a critically injured 15‑year‑old boy, who was rushed to University Hospital and remains in critical condition. He was reportedly shot in his chest.
The incident is under active investigation, police report. This latest case is not an isolated tragedy.
On June 23, a horrific mass shooting in the Roseville neighborhood left an 18‑year‑old Paterson man, Brandyn Waters, dead and four others wounded near 6th Avenue West and 13th Street.
In another incident, on Friday, June 27, just before 6 p.m., in the 100 block of Huntington Terrace.
Newark Police officers responded to reports of gunfire and arrived to find a teenage girl suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
The victim, identified as Kayla Spivey-Tutt, was transported to University Hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery.
Initially listed in severe condition, officials later confirmed she succumbed to her injuries in the days following the shooting.
The suspect, Mr. Amir Sanderson, 18, has been taken into custody and charged with purposeful murder in connection with the case.
These successive events have ignited concern among residents and officials alike.
In response to the rising violence, Mayor Ras Baraka and the Office of Violence Prevention have reinstated what he referred to as ‘an aggressive summer curfew’ for residents under 17, now in effect through early September .
Unlike a punitive crackdown, the curfew is designed to encourage safe behavior, without fines or arrests, and is complemented by increased patrolling, outreach by community organizations, and efforts to connect at-risk youth with mentoring programs.
This new wave of youth-targeted gun violence suggests a worrying trend. Community advocates warn that what began as isolated incidents has morphed into what now appears to be a small but significant pattern involving teenage victims and perpetrators.
Parents and community leaders are urging all Newark residents to remain vigilant.
Anyone with information related to these shootings is encouraged to contact Newark Police or submit anonymous tips.