2 Arrested In Fatal Somerset Barbershop Shooting

SOMERSET, NJ — Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal shooting at a barbershop in the Somerset section of Franklin Township following a two-month investigation.

Todd C. Smith, 30, of Truman Drive, Edison, and Tayyab A. Ware, 30, of Meadowbrook Drive, Augusta, Georgia were charged in connection with the shooting death of Denny Sanchez, 34 of Franklin Township, announced Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor and Franklin Township Public Safety Director Quovella M. Spruill.

On Nov. 2 at around 8:40 p.m., numerous 911 calls reported a shooting at a barbershop on Hamilton Street in the Somerset Section of FranklinTownship. Police found a man, later identified as Sanchez suffering from a gunshot wound inside the barbershop, Robertson said.

Sanchez was taken to an area trauma center where he was later pronounced dead.

Following an investigation, Smith was arrested on Dec. 22 at about 1:25 p.m. in a shopping area in Clark.

At the time of his arrest, Smith had a gun in his possession. Smith has been charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.

Smith was taken to the Somerset County Jail where he will remain pending a detention hearing in this matter.

Detectives also traveled to Augusta, Georgia where they found Ware on Dec. 30 at 7:50 a.m. at a home. Ware has been charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Ware is currently at Richmond County Jail where he will remain lodged pending extradition to New Jersey.

Anyone with information relating to this homicide to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-5533 or via the STOPit app. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

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