TRENTON (Mercer) – City firefighters were busy once again this weekend as they fought another working fire Sunday night (April 28, 2024). Coming on the heels of two separate fires on Cass Street and Hills Place on Saturday, Sunday’s blaze at 26 Humboldt Street was reported just after 7:45 p.m. Flames were visible at the roof line of the home when firefighters arrived. Multiple hose lines were put in service and the bulk of the fire was quickly knocked down by crews from Engines 1, 8, 10 and 7, Ladders 1, 2 and 4 and Rescue 1. A neighboring home reportedly suffered some minor damage. There were no reports of any injuries. The cause of the blaze was under investigation.
TRENTON, NJ (Mercer) – A two-alarm fire ravaged a row of houses on Hills Place, between Bridge and Furman streets, Saturday afternoon (April 27, 2024).
The blaze was reported about 1:40 p.m. as firefighters were just clearing up from extinguishing a garage fire a few blocks away at the rear of a property on Cass Street, near Centre Street. Because they were so close, firefighters quickly arrived on Hills Place to find flames shooting from several windows of one of the middle homes of a row of four. It was not immediately clear if all of the houses in the row were vacant or if any were occupied.
Despite firefighters mounting an aggressive interior attack, flames quickly spread to the adjacent houses. With interior conditions deteriorating and flames raging throughout the attic spaces, firefighters were ordered to evacuate the structures and switch to defensive operations. Multiple large hoselines and Ladder 2’s aerial master stream were used to throw water on the flames from the exterior.
There were no immediate reports of any injuries. The blaze was finally declared under control at 4:41 p.m., however firefighters were still on the scene at the time of this report dousing hot spots and assisting fire marshals and police arson investigators.
Multiple crews from Trenton Emergency Medical Service (TEMS), a mutual aid air unit from Hamilton Township Fire Department, and Signal 22, the city’s volunteer fire and police canteen unit, were all on scene assisting Trenton firefighters and police officers.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–It’s back! Mark your calendars for Art All Night Trenton 2024, presented by Artworks Trenton. This 24-hour event will feature art, music, and more for the whole family.
In-person programming will take place at the Trenton War Memorial on Saturday, June 29th from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. and begin again on Sunday, June 30th from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. A virtual component will take place for the full 24 hours and be accessed on the Art All Night website and socials.
“Art All Night will happen this year! This event has been a huge fundraiser for Artworks. We are looking for donations, volunteers, and most importantly art submissions from the community. Since Art All Night is at the War Memorial, we want to highlight the local businesses and restaurants in the area,” said Craig Shofed, Managing Director of Artworks Trenton.
“I am thrilled to see the return of Art All Night, a beloved tradition that celebrates the vibrant creativity of our community,” Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora said. “This event not only showcases the incredible talent within the capital city area, but also serves as an economic engine and opportunity to support our local business and restaurants. I encourage everyone to mark their calendars for June 29th and 30th to experience the incredible art, music, and culture, that will be on display at the War Memorial.”
Not only is Art All Night Artwork’s biggest fundraiser but it encompasses what the creative hub does all year round in one event. Artworks strives to provide artists of all skill levels a professional platform and diverse interactive programming accessible to all. Overall, inspiring, empowering and inviting the world to witness the incredible artistry and culture within the Capital City.
“Art All Night can only happen with the support of our sponsors, donors, and most importantly, the volunteers. Things will look a little different this year in our beautiful new home, the Trenton War Memorial, but you can expect all the fan favorites like hundreds of pieces of art, master classes and demos, musical performances, the film festival, and more!” said Addison Vincent, Artistic Director of Artworks Trenton.
To find out more info, become a sponsor, volunteer, donate, and submit art, please go to www.artallnighttrenton.org
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora stated, it is with mixed emotions that I acknowledge the closing of the Capital City’s only Starbucks Community Store located on South Warren Street. While saddened by this closure, I want to express my gratitude to Starbucks Corporate for their collaboration with the city throughout this process.
From the outset, our priority has been to ensure that the dedicated Trenton workers impacted by this closure are supported in finding suitable opportunities. I am pleased to report that Starbucks has been proactive in offering these employees positions at other locations within their network, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of our community.
While the closure of the South Warren Street store is indeed a loss, I remain optimistic about the future. The City of Trenton and Starbucks have maintained an open dialogue, exploring potential avenues for future collaboration and investment in our community. Together, we are committed to fostering growth and opportunities for our residents.
I urge our residents to continue supporting local businesses, as they are the lifeblood of our community. As we navigate this transition, let us remain resilient and united in our efforts to build a stronger, more vibrant Trenton downtown for generations to come.
TRENTON — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced that an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force (MCHTF) in conjunction with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Cold Case Network has resulted in the charging of two suspects in connection with the 2008 robbery and fatal beating of Leroy Julious in Ewing Township, New Jersey.
Breyon Goodman, 36, of Trenton, and Jason Howard, 41, are each charged by complaint with Murder (1st degree), Felony Murder (1st degree), and Robbery (1st degree). Goodman was arrested in Trenton on April 15, 2024, by members of the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial. Howard, 41, was served his complaints in Rhode Island, where he is incarcerated for an unrelated incident.
According to the public documents filed in the case, on May 9, 2008, Ewing Police responded to the report of a caller stating that the victim, Leroy Julious, was injured and on the ground, bleeding. Upon arrival, officers observed a vehicle parked diagonally in front of a residence at the scene. There were multiple individuals on scene, including Howard, who was standing outside of the open driver’s door of the vehicle. Witnesses directed officers to Mr. Julious, who was lying on the ground in a gravel lot. The victim had severe head trauma, with blood on his face, head and neck, and officers noticed his pockets were turned inside out. Mr. Julious was pronounced dead at the scene.
As alleged, investigation revealed robbery to be a potential motive in the case. Officers learned that Mr. Julious was known to carry money and that his wallet was not on him when he was found. As alleged in the complaint affidavit, investigation also indicated that the assault on Mr. Julious started in the garage carport of a nearby house and his body was dragged to the empty gravel lot.
In March 2023, the Mercer County Homicide Task Force received new information and the case was reopened. At the direction of Prosecutor Onofri, the case was presented to the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability’s (OPIA’s) Regional Cold Case Task Force. In the fall of 2023, all viable physical evidence was resubmitted to the NJSP Central Regional Laboratory, including DNA evidence. Technological advancements in forensic science provided new information related to the case.
“For 16 years the senseless, cruel death of Leroy Julious has gone unsolved,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “But law enforcement did not forget, and did not give up. We hope the charges bring a measure of relief to the victim’s grieving loved ones.”
“Dogged detective work, technological advances, inter-agency cooperation, and a shared, unflagging desire for answers and accountability for this terrible crime have brought about these charges,” said Thomas J. Eicher, Executive Director of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability. “This development in this long-dormant case demonstrates the effectiveness of the cooperation and capabilities of the Cold Case Network.”
“These detectives are relentless in the pursuit of justice,” said Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri. “The technological and investigative resources made possible through this collaboration of law enforcement agencies are invaluable, and I’m grateful to the Attorney General’s Office for the formation of the Cold Case Task Force. Now we are able to announce charges and provide Mr. Julious’ family with answers after all of these years.”
“We are continuing to investigate this murder and are asking for the public’s help,” Prosecutor Onofri continued. “Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact MCHTF detectives at (609) 989-6406 or mchtftips@mercercounty.org.”
Attorney General Platkin and Prosecutor Onofri commended all of the New Jersey Cold Case Task Force’s participating agencies, including the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. They also expressed their appreciation to the NJSP Office of Forensic Sciences, the NJSP Central Regional Laboratory, the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, and the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief Albert Rhodes, for their assistance.
The charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
First-degree Murder and Felony Murder crimes carry a sentencing exposure of 30 years to life in state prison and fine of up to $200,000. First-degree Robbery crimes carry a sentence of up to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. The potential sentences are provided solely for informational purposes, as any potential sentence is determined by a judge.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora has issued Executive Order 24-01, signaling a pivotal moment in the City’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by its animal shelter. The order details the reorganization of the Bureau of Animal Control and the establishment of an Animal Welfare Advisory Board, aiming to tackle issues of overcrowding, animal welfare, and public safety.
The City of Trenton has grappled with a surge in animal surrenders and strays, exacerbated by the aftermath of the Covid pandemic and prior disruptions in shelter management. With the Trenton Animal Shelter (TAS) operating beyond capacity and facing overcrowding issues, Mayor Gusciora recognizes the urgency for a comprehensive solution.
“The welfare of our city’s animals is a priority,” Mayor Gusciora stated. “We owe it to our residents and our furry companions to provide a shelter environment that upholds standards of care, public safety, and animal welfare.”
Mayor Gusciora noted that the new chief at the Animal Shelter will be Trenton Police Lieutenant Alexis Durlacher, who has had past animal control experience.
Executive Order 24-01 outlines a multifaceted approach to address these challenges:
1. New Operational Model: A Chief of the Bureau of Animal Control will be appointed, tasked with implementing a revised operational model. This model will prioritize animal welfare, adoption services, pet ownership education, and humane animal control enforcement, ensuring best practices are upheld.
2. Community Engagement and Partnerships: The Bureau of Animal Control will focus on community education programs, low-cost spay/neuter initiatives, volunteer programs, and partnerships with non-profits. The creation of the Trenton Animal Care Team (TACT) will foster collaboration among stakeholders for effective animal shelter management.
3. Rabies Control Compliance: The City will maintain compliance with rabies control regulations, ensuring timely reporting and investigation of animal bites. The Health Officer will continue to oversee rabies control activities and utilize Animal Control Officers for enforcement.
4. Animal Welfare Advisory Board: A five-member Animal Welfare Advisory Board will be established, tasked with advising on strategies to reduce unwanted pet populations. This board will engage residents, businesses, and stakeholders in identifying concerns and developing solutions.
Mayor Gusciora emphasized the importance of community involvement in shaping Trenton’s animal welfare policies, “We invite the participation of all stakeholders in our efforts to improve animal shelter management and promote responsible pet ownership.”
Executive Order 24-01 reflects Trenton’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of its animal residents and fostering a collaborative approach to animal welfare.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is addressing lead contamination at three public parks in the East Trenton neighborhood. In January 2024, the EPA coordinated with the City of Trenton to collect and analyze soil samples at the Sony Vereen Playground, Breunig Avenue Park, and Grant Avenue Playground.
The EPA found elevated levels of lead in the soil at all three of the parks and on Tuesday installed lead awareness signs at each. The EPA is now working with the city to develop a plan that would protect community members from lead contamination. Some areas of the parks will be closed, and others will remain open as EPA works to cover areas of soil and grass that are contaminated to prevent people from being exposed to lead in each park.
Until the EPA has completed its work, park visitors should pay attention to signage and fenced off areas where EPA work is ongoing to avoid being exposed to lead in the soil at the parks. Because some exposure is always possible, people visiting parks should take the simple steps below.
• Avoid digging or disturbing the soil.
• Wash hands thoroughly after visiting the parks, especially before eating.
• Remove shoes before entering homes and buildings to avoid tracking in contaminated soil.
• Supervise children closely and prevent them from putting dirt in their mouth.
In 2020, the EPA began investigating the pottery industry as a potential source of lead contamination in the soil in East Trenton. The EPA continued sampling residential properties, public schools, and parks in the East Trenton neighborhood in 2023 and 2024.
So far, the EPA has sampled over 130 residential properties in East Trenton and discovered many with elevated concentrations of lead in the soil. Over the next several months, the EPA will be installing protective measures at impacted residential properties to reduce lead exposure to vulnerable populations such as young children and pregnant women.
The EPA will continue to offer free soil testing to residential property owners inside the East Trenton Study Area in the Spring and Summer of 2024. If you would like the EPA to test the soil at your own property for free, please call Jonathan Byk at (347) 899-6210.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police say that at approximately 7:00 a.m. today, the New Jersey State Police notified the Trenton Police Department of Bomb threats to two locations in the City of Trenton. One was at Riverview Plaza, and the state police handled that incident. Another was at the Trenton Board of Education, 108 N. Clinton Avenue. Trenton Police conducted a search of 108 N. Clinton and the building was reopened shortly thereafter.
Trenton Public School District reported earlier this morning:
UPDATE: The Trenton Police Department had bomb dogs perform a sweep of the TBOE building and cleared it for re-entry. The building is safe and central office staff can return. Early this morning, the NJ State Police received a bomb threat via email naming three districts including the TPS Central Office building. We thank everyone for their cooperation and patience.
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The Trenton Board of Education Central Office is evacuated due to a bomb threat. The Trenton Police Department is on the scene. The TPS community is asked to stay away from the building until further notice. Central Office staff should report to a nearby school at this time.
TRENTON, NJ (Mercer) – City firefighters battled a blaze late Tuesday afternoon (April 16, 2024) that badly damaged both sides of a duplex in the 100 block of Oliver Avenue. The fire, reported about 4:45 p.m., took firefighters about 90 minutes to bring under control. Firefighters initially attempted to battle the flames from the interior, but deteriorating conditions forced them to evacuate the structures and fight the blaze from the exterior with Ladder 2’s aerial master stream and multiple hose lines. There were no reports of any injuries at the time of this report.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, financial counselor with the United States Army and major in the U.S. Army Reserves today admitted defrauding Gold Star families and related crimes, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Caz Craffy, aka “Carz Craffey,” 41, of Colts Neck, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court to the indictment filed against him, which charged six counts of wire fraud and one count each of securities fraud, making false statements in a loan application, committing acts affecting a personal financial interest, and making false statements to a federal agency.
“Those who target and steal from the families of fallen American servicemembers will be held accountable for their crimes,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said. “Nothing can undo the enormous loss that Gold Star families have suffered, but the Justice Department is committed to doing everything in our power to protect them from further harm.”
“Caz Craffy admitted today that he brazenly took advantage of his role as an Army financial counselor to prey upon families of our fallen service members, at their most vulnerable moment, using lies and deception,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “These Gold Star families have laid the dearest sacrifice on the altar of freedom. And they deserve our utmost respect and compassion, as well as some small measure of financial security from a grateful nation. We will use every means at our disposal to ensure that those who defraud our military families are held accountable. Caz Craffy now faces the prospect of years in prison for ripping off these families to line his own pocket.”
“Those who prey on the family members of fallen soldiers, will be sought out and held accountable,” Special Agent in Charge Joel Kirch, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Northeast Field Office, said. “The hard work, long hours, and dedication of our partners within the Task Force, from the United States Attorney’s Office, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and our own investigative analyst, resulted in this investigation’s swift resolution.”
“The families of service members who lost their lives while serving their country deserve to be treated with compassion, dignity and respect by individuals entrusted to assist them in obtaining survivor benefits,” said James R. Ives, Principal Deputy Director of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the law enforcement arm of the DoD Office of Inspector General. “Today’s announcement reflects DCIS and our law enforcement partners’ steadfast commitment to holding accountable those who use their official positions to take advantage of grieving military families.”
“Gold Star families are given a title no one would choose because it means they’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “The soldier, sailor, marine or airman they loved died during a time of conflict – defending this nation. They are given money and assistance to help ease the burden that comes with losing their loved one, but no amount of money can replace what they’ve lost. Craffey took advantage of his position and defrauded families already going through a tremendous amount of suffering. He is being held accountable, and his victims are seeing justice prevail.”
“Craffy disgraced his entrusted position to care for our nation’s military families when he allegedly took advantage of them during a vulnerable time of grief,” Homeland Security Investigations Newark acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker said. “No family, especially our Gold Star families, should have to face further heartache after a loved one’s death by having their financial security ripped out from under them by fraudsters.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
When a member of the Armed Services dies during active duty, his or her surviving beneficiary, now a member of a Gold Star family, is entitled to a $100,000 payment and the servicemember’s life insurance of up to $400,000. These payments are disbursed to the beneficiary in a matter of weeks or months following the servicemember’s death. To assist the beneficiaries in this time of need, the military provides a number of services to the servicemember’s family, including the assistance of a financial counselor.
From November 2017 to January 2023, Craffy was a civilian employee of the U.S. Army, working as a financial counselor with the Casualty Assistance Office. He was also a major in the U.S. Army Reserves, where he has been enlisted since 2003. Craffy was responsible for providing general financial education to the surviving beneficiaries. He was prohibited from offering any personal opinions regarding the surviving beneficiary’s benefits decisions. Craffy acknowledged that he was not permitted to participate personally in any government matter in which he had an outside financial interest. However, without telling the Army, Craffy simultaneously maintained outside employment with two separate financial investment firms.
Craffy used his position as an Army financial counselor to identify and target Gold Star families and other military families. He admitted to encouraging the Gold Star families to invest their survivor benefits in investment accounts that he managed in his outside, private employment. Based upon Craffy’s false representations and omissions, the vast majority of the Gold Star families mistakenly believed that Craffy’s management of their money was done on behalf of and with the Army’s authorization.
From May 2018 to November 2022, Craffy obtained more than $9.9 million from Gold Star families to invest in accounts managed by Craffy in his private capacity. Once in control of this money, Craffy repeatedly executed trades, often without the family’s authorization. These unauthorized trades earned Craffy high commissions. During the timeframe of the scheme, the Gold Star family accounts lost more than $3.7 million, while Craffy personally earned more than $1.4 million in commissions, drawn from the family accounts.
The wire fraud and securities fraud charges are each punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison. The charge of submitting a false statement on a loan application is punishable by a maximum of two years in prison. The charges of acts affecting a personal interest and false statements to a federal agent are each punishable by five years in prison. All counts but the securities fraud count are also punishable by a maximum fine of either $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. The securities fraud count is punishable by a maximum fine of either $5 million or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 21, 2024.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has a pending civil complaint against Craffy based on the same and additional conduct. Craffy has been permanently prohibited from association with any member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. (FINRA).
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Kirch; special agents of DCIS, under the direction of Principal Deputy Director Ives; special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Dennehy; and special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Walker, with the investigation leading to the indictment. He also expressed appreciation for the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the direction of Gurbir S. Grewal, Director, Division of Enforcement, and FINRA, under the direction of Head of Enforcement Bill St. Louis.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Martha K. Nye of the Criminal Division in Trenton, and Carolyn Silane of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
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Defense counsel: Mark Berman Esq., Fair Lawn, New Jersey
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced the return of an indictment against a Trenton police officer who allegedly made misleading statements on his job application about who his associates were, divulged privileged law enforcement information, possessed marijuana with the intent to distribute, and possessed and managed the financial proceeds of criminal activity.
A state grand jury returned an 11-count indictment against Rudy Lopez, 38, of Hamilton, New Jersey, on charges including tampering with public records and a pattern of official misconduct.
Lopez’s brother, Lisandro Rivera, 40, also of Hamilton, was also indicted after allegedly conspiring with his brother to financially facilitate crimes.
The indictment follows an investigation by the Corruption Bureau of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), which uncovered how Lopez had been communicating since at least 2021 with a state prison inmate who is a member of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (ALKQN) street gang.
It is alleged that on numerous occasions, Lopez and the incarcerated gang member discussed an individual who they believed had cooperated in the inmate’s prosecution.
Lopez and the inmate allegedly conspired to set up an aggravated assault targeting that victim. According to the investigation, Lopez endeavored to find the victim’s location and passed what he believed to be the victim’s whereabouts to the imprisoned gang member. Prosecutors also allege Lopez revealed confidential business of the Trenton Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office to his co-conspirator.
The investigation revealed that Lopez failed to report his conversations with the inmate, failed to report the prisoner’s intent to cause significant bodily injury to the victim, and failed to warn of the credible threat against the victim, in violation of his duties as a police officer.
As alleged in documents filed in the case, Lopez had previously made false entries on his application for employment with the Trenton Police Department, knowingly misstating on his application that he was not associating with any individuals, including family members, who are or had been gang members. He also allegedly omitted information in his responses to other questions regarding incarcerated relatives. Lopez allegedly made the false statements to defraud the Trenton Police and to conceal his association with a gang member and relation to an incarcerated person.
Lopez is also accused of possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute. He and his brother, Rivera, are further accused of possessing and managing money derived from criminal activity.
“As alleged, this case involves a member of law enforcement who violated his duties and participated in the commission of crimes,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The allegations in this indictment represent an egregious and shocking betrayal of the badge and of the citizens this officer swore an oath to protect.”
“We allege that the fraudulent statements on the defendant’s job application deceived the Trenton Police Department into allowing someone who was unfit to serve as a police officer onto the force,” said Thomas J. Eicher, Executive Director of OPIA. “And once that individual had gained a position of public trust, he allegedly betrayed that trust, by committing crimes and failing to fulfill his duties of upholding and enforcing the law and protecting the community.”
Lopez is facing the following charges:
• Tampering with public records (3rd degree)
• Official misconduct (2nd degree — three counts)
• Conspiracy (2nd degree)
• Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (3rd degree)
• Possession of CDS with intention to distribute within 1,000 feet of school property (3rd degree)
• Pattern of official misconduct (2nd degree)
Both brothers have been charged with the following crimes:
• Conspiracy (2nd degree)
• Financial facilitation of criminal activity (3rd degree)
• Financial facilitation of criminal activity (2nd degree)
The charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000. The potential sentences are provided solely for informational purposes, as any potential sentence is determined by a judge.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorneys General Max G. Lesser and Sherrod Smith of the OPIA Corruption Bureau under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Andrew Wellbrock and OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher.
Defense counsel:
For Rudy Lopez: John Furlong, Esq., Furlong and Krasny, West Trenton, New Jersey
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today that an investigation conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force (MCHTF) and the Trenton Shooting Response Team has resulted in the arrest of a Trenton man for the shooting death of Jose Alfredo Azcona Garcia.
Kareem Pygum, 43, of Trenton, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault and three weapons offenses, including certain persons not to possess a weapon. He was arrested on Hudson Street in Trenton on April 10 by members of the MCHTF and the Trenton Police Department. At the time of Pygum’s arrest, he was found in possession of a small quantity of crack cocaine and a .38 Smith & Wesson revolver. Additional charges were filed. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Pygum pending trial.
Just after 8 p.m. on April 4, 2024, Trenton police responded to the 500 block of N. Clinton Avenue on reports of a shooting in progress. Upon arrival, officers located two adult victims suffering gunshot wounds. A male victim sustained a gunshot to his head and a female victim sustained a gunshot wound to her shoulder. Both victims were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment. Jose Alfredo Azcona Garcia, 46, of Trenton, who sustained the gunshot wound to the head, died on April 9 as a result of his injuries. A third adult male victim who sustained a graze wound to his left cheek was later discovered.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Ryan Minnick at (609) 273-7293 or OIC William Jett Jr. at (609) 331-5010. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Kareem Pygum, 43, of Trenton, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault and three weapons offenses, including certain persons not to possess a weapon. He was arrested on Hudson Street in Trenton on April 10 by members of the MCHTF and the Trenton Police Department. At the time of Pygum’s arrest, he was found in possession of a small quantity of crack cocaine and a .38 Smith & Wesson revolver. Additional charges were filed. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Pygum pending trial.
TRENTON (Mercer) – One person was injured and several pets died as the result of a house fire Saturday night (March 23, 2024). The blaze at 23 Hart Avenue, off North Clinton Avenue, was reported about 9:05 p.m. and was brought under control in less than a half-hour by firefighters from Engines 6, 10, 7 and 1, Ladders 4 and 2, and Rescue 1.
The bulk of the damage was concentrated on the second floor and roof area of the two-story rowhome. One person, believed to be a resident, was transported to a local hospital by Trenton Emergency Medical Service (TEMS) for treatment of unspecified injuries. At least one dog was removed from the house alive but several others that were carried out by firefighters did not survive despite valiant resuscitation efforts attempted by TEMS personnel on scene. The cause of the blaze was under investigation by fire officials.
While more than half of the city’s on-duty firefighting force was committed to fighting the fire on Hart Avenue, remaining available fire companies were strategically relocated to better protect the city. While relocating from the firehouse on West State Street to a more centrally-located location at Fire Headquarters on Perry Street, Ladder 1 was involved in a minor motor vehicle crash on Route 29. It was reported that another vehicle had struck the fire apparatus, but thankfully no injuries were reported.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred last night in the city, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
At approximately 2:40 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Trenton police responded to a call at the Kingsbury Square low-rise apartments. An adult male was located in an abandoned apartment with multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later. A suspect was detained at the scene.
No charges have been filed and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Paulina Way at 609-722-0172 or OIC William Jett at 609-331-5010. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred late Sunday evening in the city, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.
At approximately 10:25 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2024, Trenton patrol units responded to Bert Avenue on a shooting in progress. Trenton detectives in the area on an unrelated assignment located the victim on the ground on St. Francis Avenue. The victim, identified as Andray Ingram, 34, of Trenton, sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a Bert Avenue homeowner fired multiple shots with a firearm he had in his home at an unknown individual with a hammer who was banging on his front door and smashing his Ring camera. The individual, identified as Ingram, had entered inside the structure of the residence in the vestibule area of the home at the time the shots were fired.
No charges have been filed and the investigation is ongoing.
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