By: Richard L. Smith
What began as a quiet Saturday evening in Newark’s South Ward turned into another heartbreaking chapter in a neighborhood that has seen far too much bloodshed. 
By the time the gunfire stopped on Chancellor Avenue, two families were shattered, three others were left coping with trauma, and an entire community was once again forced to confront the deep wounds of street violence.
Although officials emphasized during a 10 a.m. press conference that shootings of this magnitude have become increasingly rare—pointing to a decline in homicides and violent crime—those words offer little comfort to the families living through this tragedy.
More like cliche’ because statistics mean nothing when loved ones are lost, and for these victims, the pain is real and immediate.
According to Essex County officials, shots rang out around 7 p.m. Saturday on the 300 block of Chancellor Avenue. 
When the chaos cleared, 10-year-old Jordan Garcia, a beloved youth football player from Newark’s West Ward, and 21-year-old Ms. Kiyah Mae Scott were fatally wounded.
Both were rushed to University Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
Jordan’s death hit especially hard. Known throughout his community as a bright, energetic kid who loved football, his loss sent shockwaves through his school. 
Counselors were brought in Monday morning to meet with grieving students, teammates, and teachers, many of whom struggled to understand how a child so full of promise could be taken so violently.
“He was loved,” one staff member shared. “The players looked up to him. Today, we saw tears from kids who rarely cry. This hurt.”
Three others were injured in the gunfire: Jordan’s 11-year-old brother, who survived and remains in stable condition; 19-year-old Masi Rogers, who is fighting for his life; and 60-year-old Sheppard Miller, also listed in stable condition.
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr., and Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones said investigators are working around the clock to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Sheriff Amir Jones also announced a $10,000 reward through Crime Stoppers for information leading to an arrest.
Officials were blunt: the suspects will not get far.
“This type of violence cannot continue,” officials said. “We are using every resource available to track down the individuals involved. We urge them to turn themselves in now.”
In a neighborhood already weary from repeated tragedies, this shooting has reopened wounds and deepened frustration.
Parents fear for their children. Coaches and mentors mourn young talent stolen from the field. Residents cling to hope but brace for more heartache.
Jordan Garcia’s name now joins a devastating list of young lives lost too soon.
His teammates will take the field again, but with one jersey missing, one voice absent, and one more reminder of how urgently Newark’s families need peace.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC.