NJ Athlete Killed In Game Of Russian Roulette; 2 Charged: Police

A Woodrow Wilson High School student who was known for being a role model and was honored by his school and the city was killed while playing a game of Russian roulette, one of the men charged in connection with his death told authorities.

Nasir Mason, 19, and Morton Newman, 20, both of Camden, have been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Diquese Young, of Camden, according to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office.

Newman told authorities Young, who played football, ran track and was the 2018 homecoming king, shot himself in the head during a game of Russian roulette at Morton’s home, according to the probable cause statement filed in the case. The shooting took place on Oct. 14, and Young died two days later, according to the prosecutor’s office.

He graduated earlier this year. In February, he was honored by the school district and the Camden City Rotary Club for academic improvement and being a strong role model, according to a spokesperson for the school district.

“The loss of a student is devastating to the school community,” Acting State Superintendent of the Camden City School District Katrina McCombs said. “Dyquese was a young man who showed us all how to work hard, be positive, and never give up. Losing such a bright young star to violence is heartbreaking and something that never gets easier.”

Young's football and track coach Preston Brown called him,"one of the most dedicated, loyal, and committed individuals I have ever met."

"Dino as we know him would be the highlight of every situation," Brown said. "He could dance, he could sing rap, was never afraid to compete in anything. When I first met Dino he was ineligible to compete in football because of his grades during his freshman year. When I told him he would not be able to play he simply asked well can I at least just practice everyday to help the team? I had never met a young person willing to commit so much at such a young age knowing the reward was gonna be for others.

soul that the world won’t get to see your greatness but just know your impact has been massive in my life and the lives of your peers. Long live Dino."

On the day he passed, Young, Newman and Mason had taken turns pointing the gun to their own head and pulling the trigger, according to the probable cause statement. Newman and Mason each took a turn with no bullet being fired. However, when Young pulled the trigger, a shot was fired and he was struck in the head.

Newman and Mason went upstairs to tell Newman’s mother what had happened, authorities said. Newman then ran outside to flag down his brother. Morton Newman and his brother then took Young to MD Anderson Cancer Center, believing it to be Cooper University Hospital.

Camden County Police were then called to MD Anderson just after 8:30 p.m., according to the prosecutor’s office. Young was then taken across the street to Cooper University Hospital by EMS. He died as a result of his injuries two days later.

When police initially arrived, Morton’s brother provided conflicting reports as to what happened, authorities said. During the investigation, police searched for a crime scene at several locations, including the home belonging to the person who owned the car that was used to transport Young, as well as the area of Baird and Grand, and Eutaw Park.

Failing to find a crime scene, police checked the Newman brothers’ home, where they found blood on the outside of the basement door outside the house, authorities said. Ultimately, Morton Newman told authorities what happened.

Mason and Morton Newman have been charged with aggravated assault, aggravated assault (pointing a firearm), and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Mason was also charged with a certain persons offense.

They were remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility, and each face a pretrial detention hearing this week. The investigation is ongoing.

Main image via Woodrow Wilson High School