By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities in Mercer County are investigating a deadly mass shooting that erupted during a large block party in Trenton early Sunday morning, leaving two people dead and eight others wounded.
According to a statement released by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Trenton Police officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Locust Street at approximately 12:23 a.m. on August 30 after receiving reports of a shooting in progress.
When officers arrived, they encountered multiple adult victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Some were transported by ambulance to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, while others arrived at the hospital in private vehicles.
Authorities said 10 people were shot during the incident. A 33-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man were pronounced dead. Eight additional victims — two women and six men between the ages of 23 and 43 — were treated for their injuries and stabilized.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office said a preliminary investigation determined that approximately 100 people had gathered for a large block party on Locust Street when multiple suspects approached the gathering and opened fire into the crowd.
Investigators recovered more than 50 spent shell casings from a crime scene that stretched across the entire 100 block.
Several vehicles were also struck by gunfire.
The Trenton Police Department Crime Scene Unit processed the area, while officers from the Ewing Police Department assisted with crowd control.
Detectives with the Mercer County Homicide Task Force are reviewing surveillance video and working to identify witnesses who may have information about the shooting.
The investigation remains active, and authorities have not announced any arrests or released the identities of the two people killed.