By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities in Mercer County have identified the two people killed in a weekend mass shooting that left eight others wounded during a large block party in Trenton.
According to information released by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, the victims have been identified as Anthony Howlett, 42, and Tyasiah West, 33, both residents of Trenton.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:23 a.m. Sunday, August 30, in the 100 block of Locust Street, where authorities said approximately 100 people had gathered for a block party.
Investigators said multiple suspects approached the gathering and opened fire into the crowd.
When Trenton Police officers arrived, they found several shooting victims. Others were transported from the scene by private vehicles. In all, 10 people suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
Howlett and West were pronounced dead.
Of the eight surviving victims, four have since been treated and released. Three men, ages 23, 29 and 32, remain hospitalized in critical condition, while a 42-year-old woman remains hospitalized in stable condition.
The shooting scene stretched across the entire 100 block of Locust Street, where investigators recovered more than 50 spent shell casings. Multiple vehicles were also struck by gunfire.
The Trenton Police Department Crime Scene Unit processed the scene, while officers from the Ewing Police Department assisted with crowd control.
Homicide Task Force detectives continue to review surveillance footage and are attempting to locate additional witnesses who may have information about the shooting.