By: Richard L. Smith
An 18-year-old man was shot dead late Monday night as part of a mass shooting in Newark’s Roseville section, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office officials confirmed today.
According to a statement released, at approximately 11:40 p.m. on June 23, Newark Police responded to 367 6th Avenue West near 13th Street following reports of multiple gunshots.
Officers arrived to find five individuals struck by gunfire in a chaotic scene described by law enforcement as “an unruly crowd”.
Among the victims was 18-year-old Mr. Brandyn Waters, a resident of Paterson.
Officials said Waters sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and was rushed to University Hospital, where I he was later pronounced dead.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office (ECPO) Homicide Task Force have taken over the investigation. As of early Tuesday, no suspects have been identified or arrested, and the motive remains unclear.
In addition to the fatality, four other victims were struck by bullets.
RLS Media reported this morning that several were found in “serious condition,” prompting immediate medical attention and transport to University Hospital.
Witnesses described the scene as terrifying, with numerous shots fired indiscriminately and vehicles left riddled with bullet holes, indicating a high volume of gunfire within a short span.
This latest shooting adds to a string of incidents in Newark over the past several weeks. On June 20, two women were wounded by stray bullets in separate homes in the South Ward.
On Sunday afternoon, a man was found with a gunshot wound to the leg on Grafton Avenue.
He was transported to the hospital and is expected to recover.
Just over a week earlier, another shooting occurred outside a school dismissal, prompting parents and children to flee from danger.
The recent string of shootings has left residents across the city increasingly concerned about what appears to be a spike in violent crime.
The ECPO is urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted confidentially to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office or Newark Police.