Fourth Ward Meeting to Address Shootings in Canterbury Park

Montclair Fourth Ward Councilwoman Renee Baskerville has announced that the focus of a community meeting planned for Tuesday, May 21, has been changed in light of last week's murder-suicide in a neighborhood park involving a resident and his girlfriend.

The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on the second floor of the Montclair Fire Headquarters on Pine Street.

Fourth Ward resident Brandon Brown, 26, and his girlfriend Shanae Q. Howard, 24, of Orange, were discovered dead by police in Canterbury Park Thursday night after gunshots were reported in the park. The deaths were ruled a murder-suicide by a medical examiner, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray said Friday.

Baskerville said in a letter to residents of the Fourth Ward she plans to work with Montclair Police and other authorities to inform residents of what happened as well as work to support and secure the community.

“I want to make sure that this terrible, tragic occurrence brings us closer together and that it does not deter us from the full, unfettered, and peaceful enjoyment of the bounties of our neighborhood and the township, including our parks,” Baskerville said in the letter.

Baskerville’s late father, Charles, and other members of the community played a central role in creating Canterbury Park about 50 years ago. The councilwoman said that in all that time there has not been an incident of gun violence.

“There have been no violent incidents in Canterbury Park other than an occasional shoving match on the basketball courts, and certainly no incidents involving guns or other weapons,” she said. “The residents continue to feel secure in our community and to do their part in maintaining the sanctity and beauty of this quiet cul-de-sac.”

The councilwoman also commended the Montclair Police and Chief David Sabagh for their response to the shootings.

Baskerville said, “I witnessed MPD's attention to detail, their care, the precision and professionalism with which they worked to secure the area of the incident to respect the bodies of the deceased, make certain that the officers were able to gather all of the data they needed; make certain that the community was safe, and that the families of the deceased and others whose involvement was required in the public safety process, had all that they needed.” 

The meeting was originally scheduled to the Eastern Gateway Redevelopment Plan.