February 16, 2023

TRENTON (Mercer) – A stabbing was reported at Cure Insurance Arena this evening (Thursday, Feb. 16). The victim was critically injured and CPR was reportedly in progress at the scene.

The stabbing occurred inside the arena on Hamilton Avenue.

The Mercer County Tournament boys basketball final between Trenton and Notre Dame was being held at the arena this evening, with the game having started at 7 p.m.

It was right around 8:30 p.m. when Trenton EMS personnel and Capital Health System paramedics were dispatched to the area of Gate B of the arena for a reported stabbing. While medical personnel were still enroute, they were advised via radio by their dispatcher that the victim was possibly not breathing.

At 8:34 p.m. Trenton EMS personnel arrived and reported that CPR was in progress.

“It’s a trauma code,” a Trenton EMS member radioed a short time later, confirming that the victim was in cardiac arrest. He further advised that the victim’s injuries were so serious that they were not waiting for paramedics to arrive and the ambulance crew was instead rushing the victim to the trauma unit at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. “We’re going to Regional, ETA 5 minutes. Let them know he has a stab wound to the upper left chest.”  

Trenton police and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Detectives were on the scene. Gate B, located on Hamilton Avenue near the intersection of South Broad Street, was cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape, with multiple police vehicles present. Several police officers could be seen just inside the arena’s doors.

Later, at 9:20 p.m. an announcement was made to all EMS agencies in Mercer County that the Brunswick Avenue entrance to Capital Health Regional Medical Center had been closed and that all ambulances transporting patients to the hospital should enter via the New York Avenue entrance.  

The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office was advised of a stabbing that occurred at the CURE Arena, 81 Hamilton Ave., Trenton, at approximately 8:30 pm tonight, during a high school basketball tournament. A male victim was stabbed multiple times inside the arena.  He was pronounced deceased at Capital Health Regional Medical Center shortly after 9:00 pm. The Homicide Task Force and Trenton Police are investigating. 

The victim has been identified as 23-year-old Khalil Glanton, a resident of Trenton. 

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406.  Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.

A Khalil Glanton, 22, (now 23) of Trenton; was aboard a “party bus” traveling on bus traveling through Mercer County in October 2021 which led to an indictment of 15 people. An investigation by the New Jersey State Police led to the seizure of six guns including two ghost guns, four high-capacity magazines, hollow-point ammunition, and drugs.

Khalil Glanton, 22, of Trenton, N.J. (now 23)

• Unlawful possession of a handgun

After the Mercer County Tournament championship game at CURE Area last night (Feb. 16), there was an altercation involving several unidentified individuals. District officials have been informed that a young man, a 2019 graduate of Trenton Central High School, lost his life as a result of injuries sustained during the altercation. At this time, we are not aware of any current students who may have been directly involved but have contacted those who may be connected to ensure they are not on campus today (Feb. 17).

Unfortunately, the altercation was recorded and posted on social media. Students and staff members may have already witnessed in person or viewed the incident online. Administrators have activated the district crisis team for staff members and students who may need support during the school day. Additional law enforcement will be present inside TCHS and patrolling the school campus as a precaution.

The past two weeks have been traumatic for our TPS family. Students and staff have experienced tragic events happening inside schools, within our community, and watched them unfold across the country. 

As a district, our work continues to be critical to changing the circumstances of our young people. Students need access to better options for resolving conflict. We will continue to work closely with the Trenton Police Department to ensure the safety of our staff and students. If you have any concerns regarding a student or staff member who may need support, please reach out to our school administrators. 

I hope you all have a safe and restful three-day weekend and look forward to seeing you on Tuesday. 

Sincerely,

James Earle

Superintendent

Trenton Public School District 

Names of the 2023 Trenton Homicide Victims

1. 1/16/2023 Donnell Williams, 29, Trenton, Shooting.
2. 2/12/2023 Stephanie Vil, 34, of Burlington, Shooting.
3. 2/16/2023 Khalil Glanton, 23, Trenton, Stabbing