Lawrence Teen Charged With Murder Of Dad Who Died Protecting Kids

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — A 17-year-old Lawrence Township male has been arrested and charged with murder and other offenses for the July 12 shooting death of Yony Emmanuel Cruz-Rodriguez, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri said.

Cruz-Rodriguez was killed protecting his children during a carjacking in Trenton.

On July 12, around 10:20 p.m., police received several calls reporting an overturned vehicle in the area of Garfield and Farragut Avenues.

On arrival, emergency personnel found a white Dodge Durango that was overturned, with Cruz-Rodriguez, 27, inside the Durango suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Officers also found two minor children strapped into car seats and unharmed.

According to witnesses, Cruz-Rodriguez was standing at the open back of the Durango when an unidentified person entered the vehicle and attempted to drive away.

The father tried to climb the rear of the Durango when multiple gunshots were fired, witnesses told police. The vehicle crashed into two parked cars a short distance away and the suspect fled the scene, officials said.

Cruz-Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora called the incident a “senseless act of violence.”

“This was a carjacking that tragically escalated, resulting in the fatal shooting of the male victim. The victim heroically intervened to protect his children, leading to a struggle that ended in tragedy,” Gusciora said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of the victim during this incredibly difficult time.”

The teen was arrested Monday without incident in Trenton by members of the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, the MCHTF and New Jersey State Police.

He is charged with one count of first-degree felony murder, one count of first-degree carjacking, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and weapons offenses.

The teen will be held in the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center pending a court hearing. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Chris Pullen at (848) 992-6436 or Sgt. William Jett Jr. at (609) 331-5010. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.

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