2 Mercer Men Charged In Connection With December Attempted Homicide

MERCER COUNTY, NJ – Two Hamilton men have been arrested and charged in connection with the Dec. 23, 2024, attempted homicide and weapons offenses, Hamilton Police said Thursday.

Juan Cruz, 21, and Nelson Cruz, 18, were taken into custody three weeks after the incident, authorities said.

Around 10:50 a.m. Dec. 23, 2024, officers responded to the 2500 block of Liberty St. on the report of shots fired. While en route, police were informed that two victims suffered gunshot wounds and were being driven to the hospital.

Video surveillance from the area shows a dark-colored sedan pulling into the driveway with two people exiting the vehicle and going toward the rear of the house, police said.

An argument ensued and shortly after, gunshots rang out. The two people, later determined to be the gunshot victims, retreated to their vehicle, police said. While attempting to flee the area, more gunshots are seen and heard coming through the window of the home, striking the vehicle in the windshield., police said. The vehicle then speeds off down Liberty Street and out of sight.

Through interviews of the homeowner and witnesses, police identified the suspected shooters from the house as Juan Cruz and Nelson Cruz.

Although Hamilton Police Detectives signed criminal complaints and warrants, Juan and Nelson fled and were unable to be located, police said.

The U.S. Marshals Service, the Mercer County Fugitive Task Force and the Mercer County Tactical Response Team were requested to help in locating the suspects. Approximately three weeks later, The US Marshals were able to pinpoint the suspect's location and warrants for both Juan and Nelson were executed and both were taken into custody without any further incident, police said.

Juan was charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and two counts of prohibited large capacity magazines.

Nelson was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and certain persons not to have weapons.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident can contact Detective F. LaVacca #469 at 609-581-4080 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at 609-581-4008.

Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com