Victim In Hoboken Shooting Is Remembered As Prosecutors Seek Suspect

HOBOKEN, NJ — The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office is still investigating after a Hoboken man was shot to death on the west side of town around 3:20 a.m. Sunday morning. Meanwhile, friends and neighbors of victim Chris Garcia, 28, remembered him this week.

On Sunday, hours after the shooting, friends gathered and placed balloons and candles at Garcia's Jefferson Street home, about three quarters of a mile from the shooting site.

Friend Ric Selleck told ABC News Monday that Garcia had hosted a family event in July in which bikes and toys were given to kids. Garcia had started a business as a clothing designer, according to the story.

"We got his back, we love him, and we're not going to forget him," Selleck said.

Friends were still gathering on the steps to talk about their memories on Monday.

The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office had said on Sunday morning that they were still seeking the suspect. On Tuesday morning, a spokesperson said there were no updates.

'Heated Argument'

4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos said this week that the shooting occurred during a "heated argument" on Marshall Drive.

The suspect is not from Hoboken, said Ramos, who represents the neighborhood in which the shooting occurred.

Ramos said Sunday, "I have spoken with Hoboken Police Chief [Steven] Aguiar this morning who informed me that the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office are investigating and currently have a person of interest who is from outside of Hoboken."

"Sadly, the scourge of gun violence that is plaguing our country has hit very close to home," he said. "Our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this very difficult time."

Gun Violence in Hoboken

Hoboken has a low murder rate, generally vacillating between 1 and 0 each year. However, there have been several shootings in the last few years.

Sunday's incident occurred just days after a Hoboken juvenile and a 19-year-old man from Jersey City were arrested by Hoboken police after a two-month investigation that began with a .45 caliber Glock handgun being found in a vehicle at 655 Sixth St.. The location is around the corner
from the Sunday shooting at 560 Marshall Drive.

In January, a Hoboken man, 19, was charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting a Hoboken teen near Fourth and Adams streets, in the same neighborhood.

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: https://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/. Information will be kept confidential.