NJ's Largest City Mourns For Slain Boy, Woman: 'Devastating Loss Of Life'

NEWARK, NJ — New Jersey’s largest city continues to mourn for the victims of a tragic shooting that took place over the weekend.

The shooting happened on the 300-block of Chancellor Avenue around 7 p.m. on Saturday in Newark. Two victims – a 10-year-old boy and a 21-year-old woman – were pronounced dead at University Hospital, authorities said.

On Monday, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office identified the deceased as Jordan Garcia, 10, and Kiyah Mae Scott, 21.

Three other people were wounded in the shooting: an 11-year-old boy – who is Garcia’s brother – a 19-year-old male and a 60-year-old man. Garcia’s brother and the 60-year-old are in stable condition, and the 19-year-old is in critical condition, authorities said.

Details of the investigation were still sparse as of Monday, including whether the violence involved multiple shooters or a single person. However, authorities said they are leaving no stone unturned – and are urging those responsible to turn themselves in.

>> Read More: Search For Shooter Continues After Deadly Violence In Newark

Meanwhile, community members and advocates have taken to the streets to mourn for the victims.

On Sunday, the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition held a vigil and healing circle near the site of the shooting (watch video footage here).

“All hands were on deck to send a message that senseless community violence is unacceptable in our neighborhoods,” organizers said.

The city’s director of public safety, Emanuel Miranda, expressed his condolences for the victims’ families during a press conference on Monday.

“To hear the yelling and the wailing of those mothers in the hospital is something that I will never forget,” he said.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said dozens of people showed up at Chancellor Avenue School to help console children – and adults, too.

“There is no explanation on earth that could come close to justifying this shooting,” Baraka said.

“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this trauma,” the mayor said. “Our prayers are with them — and our actions will support them.”

The shooting has sparked messages of condolence from elected officials across the state.

Gov. Phil Murphy said he has been updated on the shooting, and asked people to “please pray for the victims and their families.”

Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill said her heart is with the families and victims.

“My team and I are continuing to monitor the situation closely, and we mourn this devastating loss of life with the City of Newark,” she wrote.

U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver – who served on the Newark City Council before being elected to Congress – said she was “deeply saddened and disturbed” by last weekend’s violence.

“Our communities deserves safety, accountability and peace,” she urged.

New Jersey Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker said the community was shaken by the heartbreaking loss.

“As we mourn and pray with the parents and loved ones who are facing unimaginable grief, we must also confront the urgent responsibility we all share to protect our youth from preventable harm and violence,” Tucker said. “We cannot allow tragedies like these to become routine or accepted.”

GRIEF COUNSELING BEGINS AT SCHOOL

Newark Superintendent Roger León released the following statement to the local school community on Sunday:

“As we approach the holiday season, a time that should be filled with warmth and togetherness, we find ourselves navigating a period of deep sorrow. The heartbreak felt across the Newark Public Schools community and throughout the City of Newark because of the senseless shooting Saturday evening cannot be expressed in words. We mourn the loss of one of our students and the woman who was killed, and we continue to pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, which includes another one of our students.

“On Saturday evening, the Newark Board of Education’s Crisis Management Unit was activated and will provide grief counseling and support to students and staff members beginning Monday morning. These individuals will be in the school over the next several days to assist our school community. Our school counselors, social workers, and psychologists will work closely with this team and then continue to be available for students who need ongoing services.

“Moments like this remind us of the strength and importance of family, friendship, and community. While the holidays often bring joy, they can also bring feelings of sadness and loss. It is understandable to feel the weight of this tragedy, and it is okay to ask for help. We encourage everyone – students, staff, and families – to check in on and lean on one another and ask for support if needed. No one should ever carry grief alone. We are here for you, and with you.

“Please continue to take care of yourselves and hold on to the people who bring comfort and strength into your life. Our community is grieving, and our thoughts are with the families, friends, classmates, staff, and everyone devastated by this news. May we find healing together in the days ahead.”

• See Related: 'We Will Not Rest Until There Is Justice': Deadly NJ Shooting Kills 2, Wounds 3

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