By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities in Union County are investigating a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a 23-year-old Elizabeth resident early Saturday morning.
According to information released by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Elizabeth Police officers responded to Caldwell Place during the early morning hours of May 30 after receiving reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Franklin Mendez, 23, of Elizabeth, suffering from a gunshot wound. Mendez was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident remains under an active and ongoing investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force and the Elizabeth Police Department.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to contact Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force Detective Scott Chertoff at (908) 358-9162, Sgt. Nicholas Falcicchio at (908) 721-8186, or Elizabeth Police Officer Brian Stagnich at (908) 558-2032.