Second Teen Charged With Murder In Death Of Jersey City High School Student

JERSEY CITY, NJ — A second teen has been charged with murder in connection with the death of Pedro Rodriguez, 16, who was fatally shot in Jersey City on Dec. 16.

The 17-year-old surrendered himself to detectives with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit in Jersey City on Wednesday. He is charged as a juvenile with murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

He is being detained at the Morris County Juvenile Detention Center pending his first court appearance.

The Prosecutor's Office noted, "Juvenile matters are confidential and no additional information can be released at this time."

On Thursday, Dec. 16, at approximately 11:45 a.m., the Jersey City Police Department responded to the area of 600 Communipaw Ave. on a report of shots fired. Officers found an unresponsive male victim at that location with apparent gunshot wounds. The victim, later identified as Rodriguez, was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately noon.

A report in NJ.com said he was a Snyder High School student. At the time, Jersey City Schools Deputy Superintendent Norma Fernandez told NJ.com, “The district is extremely saddened by the loss of another youth to violence. Pedro was a quiet, respectful young man."

The Regional Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be multiple gunshot wounds and the manner of death to be homicide.

A second juvenile, a 17-year-old, was arrested on Dec. 17 and charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon.

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