Continuing Coverage: Councilwoman Kathy McBride And Other Residents Demand Action After Fatal Shootings

Related MidJersey.news coverage on the shootings:

Continuing Coverage: Trenton Mayor Releases Statement On Last Night’s Shooting Of Children In Their Home

BREAKING: Two Trenton Children 8 yr. and 16 yr., Murdered As Suspect(s) Open Fire On Home

October 21, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Councilwoman At Large and City Council President Kathy McBride was joined by a group of City residents demanding action from the Mayor, Police Director and Mercer County Prosecutors Office about the shootings in Trenton. McBride, calls for comprehensive aggressive plan and officials to do their jobs to solve crimes in the City. Full video and press release below.

The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a shooting that occurred in Trenton Tuesday night that resulted in the death of two brothers, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

At approximately 10:30 p.m. on October 20, 2020, suspect(s) shot into the second floor of a residence in the 200 block of Mulberry Street. Two brothers, Johnny Perez, 8, and Gustavo Perez, 16, were struck and killed.

There is no suspect information at this time and no motive for the murders. Anyone with information is asked to call (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.

Councilwoman Kathy McBride And Other Residents Demand Action

On October 20, 2020 at 10:30 PM, two brothers, ages 8 and 16, were murdered from the street by gunfire under the belief they were safe in their home. They were the 33rd and 34th homicides in a tragic record setting year. (The actual homicide number in Trenton is now 35 MCPO relapsed the information late this afternoon after this press release)

Trenton is making unfortunate history in the year 2020. During an 18-day period between May and June, Eight Trentonians lost their lives in a rash of violence. In July, August and October Trenton experienced multiple double homicide incidents, and on multiple occasions Trenton has experienced two unrelated homicides in the same day. Many of these suspects remain at large. We are on pace to reach the sad milestone of the deadliest year in our long history.

We as Trentonians have an obligation to ensure that our children are safe. Where can our children be safe if not in their homes? As you may know, my son Kenneth McBride was a victim of gun violence while attending college on March 21, 1993. I now worry for my surviving children, my 19-year-old son, my twin boys, and my niece. I should not have to worry whether they are safe in the sanctity of their home.

Our parents, our mothers and fathers, have an obligation to ensure that their children are not carrying guns, dealing drugs; and to hold their children accountable for their actions. We must all do our part.

Recently, Police Director Coley stated in an interview “Until Trenton

Police adds more personnel and better technology, it can’t take a big bite out of crime” and she indicated that Trenton is “way behind other agencies” with regard to technology and staffing and that it was not even considered a “21^st Century Policing Agency.”

Trenton is facing many financial issues, now more than ever. Unfortunately, our present oversight by the Department of Community Affairs does not allow for an increase in officers currently.

We have an unknown financial future in the face of Covid19 and the health and financial impacts it is having on the City of Trenton. At this time it is hard to envision a path in which the Department of Community Affairs will approve funds to acquire the technology and officers Director Coley has requested.

Accordingly, we are required to work with the technology and dedicated officers we have to address this violent year. The responsibility lies with those in the City of Trenton who are responsible for leadership of our police force and for enforcing our laws and keeping our citizens safe.

Without additional resources leadership must be the answer.

We cannot have children murdered feet from their beds in the safety of their homes. Trenton requires action now from those who can provide a plan to address the significant issues of violence in our City with the resources approved in accordance with our state oversight. Thank you.

Kathy McBride, Trenton City Council President

City of Trenton