2 Killed In Trenton Shooting Identified; No Arrests Made, Prosecutor Says

TRENTON, NJ — The two people killed in a weekend shooting at a large block party in Trenton have been identified as 42-year-old Anthony Howlett and 33-year-old Tyasiah West, both Trenton residents, the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office said Monday.

The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department continue to investigate the shooting, which was reported at 12:23 a.m. Sunday in the 100 block of Locust Street, according to the prosecutor's office.

In total, 10 people suffered gunshot wounds. In addition to Howlett and West, eight other victims — two women and six men ranging in age from 23 to 43 — were shot, authorities said. Four of those victims have been treated and released. Three men, ages 23, 29 and 32, remain hospitalized in critical condition, and a 42-year-old woman remains hospitalized in stable condition, according to the prosecutor's office.

All of the victims were taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center by ambulance or private vehicle, authorities said.

A preliminary investigation found that a block party attended by about 100 people was underway in the 100 block of Locust Street when multiple people approached and opened fire into the crowd, according to the prosecutor's office. The scene encompassed the entire block, where more than 50 spent shell casings were recovered. Multiple vehicles were struck by gunfire.

Trenton Police Department's Crime Scene Unit processed the scene, and officers from the Ewing Police Department assisted with crowd control, authorities said. Homicide Task Force detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and attempting to locate witnesses.

No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing, the prosecutor's office said.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill addressed the shooting Sunday:

"I have been briefed on the shooting early this morning in Trenton that initial reports indicate left two people dead and nine others injured," Sherrill said. "As local law enforcement continues to investigate, my Attorney General remains in close contact with officials on the ground."

"I'm thinking of the families who lost loved ones, those who were injured, and the Trenton community," Sherrill said. "Thank you to the first responders and law enforcement officers working to keep the community safe."

Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora said Sunday that the city will take additional proactive measures to prevent unauthorized gatherings of this size from taking over residential streets, adding that the shooting occurred at what his office described as "a large, unauthorized adult gathering involving hundreds of people on a residential street."

Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey is asking anyone with information to contact Detective Jennifer Eyster of the prosecutor's office at 609-789-7346. Tips, including cell phone video captured immediately before or during the shooting, can also be submitted anonymously at mercercountyprosecutor.com/tips. All tips submitted through the office's system remain anonymous unless the source chooses to provide contact information, authorities said.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com