March 13, 2023

EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 11:49 PM, Ewing police responded to a report of shots fired in the 400 block of Berwyn Avenue. The first responding Officers discovered a juvenile male victim that appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Immediately after the shooting, a suspect vehicle description was broadcast to responding units. Officer Luis Martir #212 quickly located the suspect vehicle and conducted a motor vehicle stop. The four occupants of the vehicle were detained pending investigation.

Using information developed during the investigation, Detective Matthew Wherley signed criminal complaints against the occupants of the vehicle. The alleged shooter has been identified as Matthew Wallace 3^rd, (18 years old) from Trenton. The other occupants of the vehicle were Nekhi Leonard (21), from Trenton, Kendall Whittington Jr. (19), from Trenton, and Lakell Murphy (19), from Trenton.

Matthew Wallace 3^rd has been charged with Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon. Nekhi Leonard, Kendall Whittington Jr., and Lakell Murphy have been charged with Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon     

Anyone with any information concerning this incident is asked to contact Detective Matthew Wherley at (609) 882-1313 ext.5566 or by email mwherley@ewingnj.org

You may also use our confidential Tip Line at (609) 882-7530 (Please note: this Tip Line SHOULD NOT be used to report crimes in progress or emergencies that require immediate response).

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

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