Arrest In Fofana Killing Brings 'Sigh Of Relief': Superintendent

MAPLEWOOD, NJ —In a letter sent throughout the district Monday, Ronald Taylor, superintendent of the School District of South Orange-Maplewood, said a recent break in the murder case of Columbia High student Moussa Fofana can begin the process of healing for Fofana's family.

In the letter, Taylor offered his first thoughts since Friday's news that a 20-year-old Newark man had been arrested in connection to the June 6 shooting death of the 18-year-old Fofana. Another male also suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Yohan Hernandez was arrested last Thursday and charged with murder, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, according to authorities.

"As a district, our hearts are still heavy at the loss of a young man's life cut far too short, it is unimaginable that we would lose one of our very own to such a senseless act of violence," Taylor wrote.

"However, today, we also breathe a sigh of relief that a break has been made in the case and that the Fofana family is able to begin the process of healing and to see that justice is achieved for Moussa. While there is no solace equal to the loss of one's child, we pray and hope that this conclusion will bring comfort and perhaps some closure for the Fofana's family, friends and loved ones."

While acknowledging the investigation is ongoing, Taylor thanked the members of law enforcement who already have taken part, including: the Essex County Prosecutor's Office/Major Crimes task Force, Maplewood Police Department, Essex County Sheriff's Department and the FBI.

The superintendent also thanked the South Orange and Maplewood community, the district staff, students, families and local officials "for their support and rallying cry, on behalf of the Fofana family."

A rally and march were held on behalf of Fofana on June 30 at Columbia High.

Fofana, who was a junior at the time of his death, was described a hard-working teen who dreamed of playing professional soccer.

According to police reports, Maplewood officers were called to the scene in the area of Underhill Field on Garfield Place in Maplewood at approximately 9:38 p.m. on June 6, where they found Fofana and another male suffering from gunshot wounds. Fofana was pronounced dead at the scene.

Friends said the pair may have been crossing through the field to get to another friend's house to watch a boxing match on television.