Crime & Safety

Mercer Man Charged With Murder In Trenton Alley Shooting

Darnell Housley, 40, faces a murder charge in the death of Wilber Quib-Cuc, 20, who was shot in the head in a Trenton alley on March 27.

Darnell Housley
Darnell Housley (Mercer County Prosecutor's Office)

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — A 40-year-old Trenton man has been charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of a 20-year-old man whose body was found in an alley early on March 27, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office.

Darnell Housley, of Trenton, was charged with murder following an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and Trenton's Shooting Response Team, Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey and Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson said.

At approximately 1 a.m. on March 27, Trenton patrol units were dispatched to the area of Beatty Street and Freudenmacher Alley after a ShotSpotter system detected a single gunshot. Officers found the victim, Wilber Quib-Cuc, 20, of Trenton, in Freudenmacher Alley suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.

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He was taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in critical condition.

The following day, homicide task force detectives returned to the scene to continue canvassing the area. While on scene, detectives observed a male matching the description of the suspect.

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Housley was detained and found to be in possession of a 9mm handgun and suspected heroin. He was arrested and charged with weapons and narcotics offenses.

Quib-Cuc died on March 28 from his injuries. Further investigation led to additional weapons charges and the murder charge being filed against Housley.

The prosecutor's office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Mercer County Homicide Task Force Detective Tim Bruey at (609) 989-6406. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at www.mercercountyprosecutor.com.

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