No Violent-Crime Charges In Fatal South Jersey Gunfight, Prosecutors Decide

GLASSBORO, NJ — A man has been charged after a backyard gunfire exchange that turned fatal in Glassboro — but not with a violent crime — officials said Tuesday.

Brian K. Barnes and Sidney Garcia had a dispute Oct. 20 that resulted in both Glassboro men firing their weapons, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office (GCPO). Barnes was shot and wounded, but Garcia later succumbed to his injuries from a gunshot wound to the chest, authorities said.

The men, both Glassboro residents, knew each other well, the GCPO said.

After weeks of investigation, Barnes was charged Nov. 9 with unlawful possession of a weapon (second-degree), certain persons not to possess a weapon (second-degree) and receiving stolen property (third-degree). The 42-year-old was released on a complaint summons, pending future court proceedings.

Based on the review of evidence in the shooting death of Garcia, authorities determined that the circumstances of the case didn't rise to the level of violent-crime charges against Barnes, said Thomas R. Gilbert, the GCPO's acting chief of detectives.

Glassboro police responded Oct. 20 to a reported shooting at a South Academy Street home. In the backyard, they found Garcia, 41, had been shot in the chest.

Gloucester County EMS took Garcia to Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill, where he died from his injuries, officials said.

The GCPO and Glassboro Police Department subsequently investigated the cause of Garcia's death and the actions leading up to it.