A mass shooting in Newark has left two dead — including a 10-year-old boy — and three others wounded, in a tragedy described by city officials as “a dark and devastating day.”
The incident occurred around 7:00 p.m. Saturday on the 300 block of Chancellor Avenue. Gunfire erupted in a residential area, and residents reported hearing multiple shots — at least six to eight — followed by screams.
Details of the Victims & Injuries
- A 10-year-old boy was fatally shot.
- A 21-year-old woman also died from her injuries.
- Three others were wounded: an 11-year-old boy, a 19-year-old man, and a 60-year-old man — all currently in stable condition.
- At least 17 evidence markers were found at the scene as investigators combed the area.
Official Response & Context
Ras Baraka, the Mayor of Newark, called the day unprecedented in its tragedy — combining this shooting with another incident earlier in the day involving a 2-year-old who died after falling from a window.
A $10,000 reward has been offered by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for information that leads to an arrest in the case.
The shooting comes amid rising concern over violent crime in Newark: while some categories of serious crime had been showing declines in 2025, the city still saw a 13% increase in overall violent crime in the year leading up to May 2024.
Why It Matters
- A child victim in this type of incident magnifies public alarm and calls for urgent action.
- The residential area and multiple victims highlight the random nature of the violence, escalating fears among local families.
- The law-enforcement response, including the reward and thorough investigation, indicates how seriously authorities are treating this case.
- It underscores ongoing challenges in cities like Newark to curb gun violence, especially in neighborhoods where community and policing dynamics remain fraught.
Conclusion
This devastating shooting is a sharp reminder of how quickly public spaces can become scenes of tragedy. The loss of a child and a young woman in a single evening shines a harsh light on the urgency of addressing gun violence, community safety, and support for victims’ families. As the investigation continues, the offer of a reward is a signal that authorities hope to bring accountability and some measure of closure to the grieving community.
