Young Newark Athlete Fatally Shot While Walking With Brother, Community Grieves Loss of ‘Bright, Respectful Kid’

Saturday night, a 10-year-old Newark football fan was shot and killed. The neighborhood is sad. As they approached their house, his 11-year-old brother was shot.

Near Chancellor Avenue and Leslie Street, families were having fun when the shooting occurred at 7 p.m. Normal night became tragedy that shocked parents, coaches, and neighbors.

Five people—including children—were shot. Initial evidence suggests the boys were bystanders in a fight they didn’t start. The police are investigating who shot and why.

Sunday, the victim’s football coach called the brothers “good kids” who would succeed. He said the 10-year-old was friendly, good at work, and happy on the field. The older brother is kind and hardworking despite his injuries.

Families don’t know how the young children were shot, and the neighborhood learned immediately. To protect their kids, people were scared and angry.

Essex County prosecutors interviewed witnesses and collected evidence all night Saturday. Police are investigating the gunfire to determine aiming. We knew nothing about the suspect.

City leaders said the tragedy was another reminder of how gun violence hurts children and families. Locals say this should encourage the government to support child safety programs and make things safer.

To honor the 10-year-old and help his brother recover is the priority. Neighborhood football coaches and players will miss a happy, football-loving kid.

Sources

Essex County Prosecutor’s Office
Local community statements and coach’s remarks