Victims identified in Trenton mass shooting that killed 2, wounded 8
Trenton mass shooting: 2 victims killed identified, 8 others hurt
Two people were killed and eight others hurt when gunfire broke out at an unauthorized event on Locust Street early Sunday morning, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. Officials have now identified the victims as Anthony Howlett, 42, and Tyasiah West, 33, both from Trenton.
TRENTON - Police have identified two people who were killed when a shooting erupted at a block party in Trenton on Sunday, wounding eight others.
Victims identified
What's New?:
Investigators say 33-year-old Tyasiah West and 42-year-old Anthony Howlett were shot and killed when "multiple suspects" opened fire into a crowd of approximately 100 people gathered on the 100 block of Locust Street.
Two women and six men between the ages of 23–43 were also hit by gunfire and taken by ambulance or private vehicle to Capital Health Regional Medical Center. A 42-year-old woman is reported to be in stable condition, and three men, ages 23, 29 and 32, remain in critical condition. Four others have been released from medical care.
Shooting erupts on Locust Street
10 shot, 2 killed after mass shooting erupts at block party in Trenton
Two people are dead, and eight others injured after police say multiple suspects opened fire on a block party in Trenton early Sunday morning.
The backstory:
Investigators say it was around 12:30 a.m. Sunday when a crowd of 100 people gathered on the 100 block of Locust Street in Trenton.
West and Howlett were among 10 people struck by gunfire, according to police. Four people were treated and released by Monday, and four still remain hospitalized, including three men who police say are in critical condition.
Investigators collected approximately 50 spent shell casings from the scene of the shooting. Police believe "multiple suspects" approached the crowd and opened fire.
What they're saying:
"We started to hear like a good seven rounds of like pure gunshots. We were confused at first wondering if that was gunshots. And then we heard the screaming and the running," said Ashley Gonzalez, a Locust Street resident.
"I’m like here at the front (pointing to room). I heard like three at first actually and immediately I just got down and went to turn off my lights," said Katie Huitz, another resident on Locust Street.
The mayor and community groups say they are responding with more resources and stricter enforcement.
Residents can expect more "proactive measures" related to unauthorized gatherings, including stronger enforcement of ordinances and crowd intervention, according to the mayor.
"This is not about criminalizing people for gathering together. It is about recognizing the difference between a gathering and hundreds of people occupying a residential street without authorization, particularly when firearms and violence become part of that environment," said Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora.
The Trenton Community Street Team is still responding to trauma calls from the weekend.
"Some people are traumatized, some people are scared. Some people just want to have a kind ear to listen to them and talk with them and help them through the process," said Dr. Perry Shaw III, the team’s director.
Trenton police officers knocked on doors and distributed safety tip flyers to neighbors Monday, which also included department contact numbers.
The family of Anthony Howlett chose not to speak, saying they are taking time to mourn.
No arrests reported
What we don't know:
There is no information yet about any suspects and no arrests have been made, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Source: Information provided by the Trenton Police Department and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.