Mercer Co. Man Charged With Murder In Fatal Shooting

TRENTON, NJ — A Trenton man was arrested in connection with a shooting that killed one person and injured two others on April 4, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced Friday.

Kareem Pygum, 43, of Trenton, is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of
first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, and three weapons offenses, including certain persons not to possess a weapon.

Just after 8 p.m. on April 4, Trenton police went to the 500 block of N. Clinton Avenue on reports of a shooting in progress.

Upon arrival, officers found two adult victims suffering gunshot wounds. A male victim sustained a gunshot to his head and a female victim sustained a gunshot wound to her shoulder, said Onofri.

Both victims were taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Jose Alfredo Azcona Garcia, 46, of Trenton, who sustained a gunshot wound to the head, died on April 9 as a result of his injuries. A third adult male victim who sustained a graze wound to his left cheek was later discovered, said Onofri.

Pygum was arrested on Hudson Street in Trenton on April 10 by members of the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department.

At the time of Pygum’s arrest, he was found in possession of a small quantity of crack cocaine and a .38 Smith & Wesson revolver, said Onofri.

Additional charges were filed. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Pygum pending trial.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact MCHTF Detective Ryan Minnick at 609-273-7293 or OIC William Jett Jr. at 609-331-5010. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.

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