Crime & Safety
2 Killed, 12 Injured In Mass Shooting At South Jersey Party
Gov. Phil Murphy and police say two were killed and 12 were injured in a mass shooting at an overnight South Jersey party.
UPDATE: Authorities say an arrest was made and possibly more suspects are being sought in a weekend New Jersey mass shooting. The two fatal victims were also identified. Read more: Deadly NJ Mass Shooting Update: Arrest Made, Victims ID'd
FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP, NJ – State Police say they are investigating a mass shooting that killed a man and a woman and injured 12 others at an overnight residential party in South Jersey.
Gov. Phil Murphy said law enforcement has been investigating "the horrific mass shooting at a large house party in Fairfield Township that attracted hundreds of party-goers."
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Murphy, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal, Col. Patrick J. Callahan, and Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae will provide an update regarding the ongoing investigation of the mass shooting at 10 a.m. on Monday. Read more: Gov. Murphy To Provide Update On Deadly Mass Shooting In NJ
The shootings took place at 11:50 p.m. on Saturday at a residence on East Commerce Street in the Cumberland County community, according to the State Police.
Find out what's happening in West Deptfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“At this time, at least two people have lost their lives, among numerous other shooting victims, including several with injuries that are life-threatening," Murphy said. "We hold those who have died, and their families, in our prayers today, and we also pray for the recoveries of those injured."
When troopers arrived on the scene, they discovered that a 30-year-old man and 25-year-old woman had suffered fatal gunshot wounds, police said.
The other 12 adult victims were transported to area hospitals with various injuries. As of Sunday morning, one of the 12 victims was suffering from serious injuries and remained in critical condition, police said.
“Let there be no mistake: This despicable and cowardly act of gun violence only steels our commitment to ensuring New Jersey leads the nation in passing and enforcing strong and commonsense gun safety laws," Murphy said. "No community should ever experience what occurred last night in Fairfield."
No arrests have been made, and the motive and incident remain under investigation, police said. Troopers remained on the scene on Sunday to investigate the incident.
“We urge anyone with information to step forward, so those responsible can be brought to justice," Murphy said. "This remains an active investigation with many moving parts. More information will be released as it is available and confirmed.”
6abc said the uncle of one of the victims was at the scene, saying his niece was a "good girl" and he was "absolutely heartbroken."
MASS SHOOTING in Fairfield Twp, Cumberland County. Police say someone started shooting at a house party with hundreds of people in attendance. Multiple people shot, some did not make it. @6abc pic.twitter.com/lR9qFVSfZB
— Beccah Hendrickson (@Beccah6abc) May 23, 2021
Mass shooting investigation underway in South Jersey — police say multiple people shot, at least one dead, when a gunman began firing at a large house party with 100+ guests. In Cumberland County outside Bridgeton, East Commerce St. Follow @NBCPhiladelphia for updates pic.twitter.com/k3VrbUz7Gz
— Randy Gyllenhaal (@RandyGyllenhaal) May 23, 2021
Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Jersey State Police Bridgeton Station at 856 451-0101 or submit a tip via the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office tip website at www.njccpo.org/tips. Anonymous tips are welcome.
This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.
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