Masked Shooter Kills Man Outside South Jersey School: Prosecutor

A masked shooter killed a man just as youth football practice was taking place on Thursday night, according to authorities.

The fatal shooting happened just outside a middle school in Millville at 8:15 p.m. on Thursday, according to prosecutors. The victim has been identified as Joseph L. Jones, age 37, of Millville.

This crime occurred in the parking lot of 2 Sharp St. at Lakeside Middle School, where numerous children were at a field located behind the school and parking area, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office.

The children were participating in midget football activities when the event occurred. The Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office has offered group-crisis intervention to the children.

Prosecutors believe the shooting was "a targeted attack" against the victim.

At least one masked individual involved in the homicide fled the scene in what has been described as a maroon colored sedan, according to the CCPO.

While fleeing the scene, at least one suspect fired several shots at a law enforcement officer in the area of Garden Road on Route 55 northbound. No officer returned fire or was injured. The suspect vehicle then fled, according to the CCPO.

The victim will not be identified until completion of the autopsy, which is scheduled for Friday, according to the CCPO.

Jenna Ackley told nj.com that she was walking to her car with her 9-year-old son when she heard about a dozen shots.

"My son went running for the car," Ackley told nj.com. "He's crying in the backseat saying, 'I don't want to die.' It was surreal."

Ackley believes the victim was one of the coaches who was sitting in his car when he was shot, she told nj.com. Everyone began running for cover as the shots rang out, including a pregnant mother and parents pushing strollers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. George Chopek of the CCPO Major Crimes Unit at 609-381-2046.

Anyone wishing to share information anonymously may do so in one of three ways: 1) by downloading the CCPOTIP App at the Android or iPhone store and choosing the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office; 2) by submitting an anonymous tip via text to 847411 with CCPOTIP and your tip in the message line; or 3) by going to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office Facebook page or webpage (njccpo.org) and submitting a tip to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office.

This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.