Rutgers Football Player, Hoboken Teacher's Aide Mourned; Mom Gives Possible Motive

HOBOKEN, NJ — Family, friends, and students were left mourning a 21-year-old Hoboken teacher's aide and former Rutgers football player who was shot to death on the west side of Hoboken Sunday night.

[UPDATE: A man was charged with murder and a vigil was held. Read more here.]

Damon Murray — a former walk-on football player for Rutgers and teacher's aide in the public schools — was pronounced dead just after 12 a.m. on Monday, said the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office in a release.

Superintendent of Schools Christine Johnson said Monday that Murray had left college to help his family in Hoboken.

Murray's mother told CBS News Monday night that her son had been killed because of a disagreement over gambling. "He was being a typical boy, gambling, and they had a disagreement," she said, with a message for his killer: "Turn yourself in. Everybody knows it was you, and you're a coward for pulling out a gun over gambling."

'A Source Of Inspiration'

Murray's family said he had just passed the firefighter's exam. He had also won raves as a teacher's aide in the Hoboken schools.

Superintendent Johnson said in a message to the school community:

"It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of Damon Murray, a graduate of Hoboken High School Class of 2020. Last last night, Damon was the victim of a fatal shooting on Marshall Drive in Hoboken.

"Damon was a standout student leader, gifted basketball and football player, and friend during his time in the Hoboken Public Schools. His contributions to Hoboken High School, both academically and athletically, will always be remembered and cherished. High School Principal Robin Piccapietra said, 'Damon was a respectful young man who worked hard day in and day out as a high school student. He always had a smile on his face.'

"Damon was a preferred walk-on at Rutgers University, committing to Greg Schiano's football program. After leaving Rutgers University to return home to Hoboken to help his family, Damon enthusiastically took on a role as a paraprofessional for the district.

"His kindness and empathy served our Department of Special Services so well. Our students looked up to him with admiration and respect.

"Keeon Walker, Damon's football coach at Hoboken High School, said, 'Damon was a wonderful athlete and an even better student; the true definition of what you want a student athlete to be. He was scheduled to meet with the fire department this week for an interview. I was looking forward to the possibility of being a mentor to him as he started his journey to become a fire fighter. I am truly heartbroken by this tragic event. My prayers go out to him family and friends."

"Our district's Guidance Counselors, Fortitude Clinicians, and Child Study Team Members are available as part of our Crisis Intervention Plan for any students and staff in need of support.

"Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the Murray family and loved ones during this difficult time. Damon’s legacy will forever remain a source of inspiration for all who had the privilege of knowing him. Once a Redwing, always a Redwing."

Mayor Ravi Bhalla said, "I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Damon Murray, a well-respected, standout athlete who gave back to Hoboken youth and our community at large. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. May his memory continue to live on through all who knew him."

The Shooting

Murray had taken by a private vehicle to Jersey City Medical Center on Sunday night with at least one apparent gunshot wound to the abdomen, prosecutors said.

Shortly after 11:30 p.m., the Hoboken Police Department received a report of shots fired in the area of 320 Marshall Drive, prosecutors said.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and the Hoboken Police Department are investigating, and no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-915-1345 or to leave an
anonymous tip at: http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/. All information will be kept confidential.

See below for earlier coverage from Patch.

Earlier Coverage

Hoboken Housing Authority Director Marc Recko, whose full time job is overseeing the city's federally funded public housing, wrote to residents on Monday:

"It is with a broken heart that I inform you all that last night, April 28, 2024 a young man’s life was cut short on HHA property on Kyelia’s Way by a senseless act of violence.

"HHA has been and continues to be in constant contact with the Hoboken Police Department as this early stage of the investigation into the tragedy is in the early stages, but in full swing.

"We believe that this incident was an isolated conflict between two individuals and there is no imminent danger to residents, visitors, or activities on HHA properties.

"Should you have any information that can be shared concerning this incident, please contact the Hoboken Police at (201) 420-2100."

4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos said in his newsletter on Monday morning, "I am sad to report that there was a tragic incident last evening where someone lost their life. The incident occurred at 3rd and Harrison and the Hudson County Prosecutors Office and Hoboken Police Department are investigating. At this time it appears to be an isolated incident and I will provide more details when they become available. Please join me in keeping the family of the deceased in your thoughts and prayers."

So far, law enforcement officials have shared few details about the fatal shooting. The Hoboken police referred all inquiries to the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, which they usually do with homicides.

"The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and the Hoboken Police Department are investigating a fatal shooting on Marshall Drive. More to follow," said prosecutors in a 1:30 a.m. message, but have not yet elaborated.

Marshall Drive is a short street in Hoboken's public housing neighborhood, parallel to the light rail tracks. The area near Marshall and Jackson Street was renamed Kyelia's Way last year in memory of a beloved mother of six known for her community service in the area, after she passed away in 2022.

Two sources said the shooting occurred outside a building at 320 Marshall Drive.

Other Hoboken Shootings

Hoboken's last fatal shooting was also in that area. Chris Garcia, 28, was shot to death in the area of 560 Marshall Drive on Sept. 22, 2022 while trying to break up an argument, friends said. A shooter from Jersey City was later apprehended in another state.

Hoboken has a low murder rate, generally vacillating between 0 and 1 each year. But there have been several non-fatal shootings in the same four-block area.

In January, two teens from Bayonne were arrested for a non-fatal shooting near 300 Jackson St.

In June 2022, a teen was shot near an ongoing flag football game on Fourth Street.