2 Accused Of Slaying East Orange Teen; Arrests Made In Shooting

EAST ORANGE, NJ — Police have made two arrests in connection with the fatal shooting of a beloved student-athlete in East Orange earlier this month, authorities announced Friday.

The two suspects – Josiah Wade, 22, and an unnamed 16-year-old male – have been accused of killing Letrell Duncan, 16, according to a statement from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the East Orange Police Department.

Wade was charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The juvenile was charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and two weapons offenses.

Both suspects have been arrested and are in custody, authorities said.

An investigation continues, authorities stated. Anyone with information can contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

Duncan, a sophomore and standout basketball player at East Orange Campus High School, was shot multiple times near Lincoln Street and Park Avenue around 3:15 p.m. on Oct. 3, just after school let out for the day. He was taken to University Hospital in Newark and pronounced dead at 3:45 p.m.

The Essex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers Program previously offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for Duncan’s death.

After the shooting, the superintendent of the East Orange Public School District, the city’s mayor and a councilwoman issued statements decrying the violence and asking the community to support the family. Read More: Teen Fatally Shot In East Orange; School District Condemns Violence

The mourning hasn’t been confined to East Orange. Community activists in nearby Newark have also been gathering in support of the late youth. Read More: Family, Friends Mourn NJ Student Killed In Shooting

Mourners came together for another vigil earlier this month to honor the 16-year-old high school student. Gathering at the site of his death, Duncan’s family, friends and dozens of bereaved community members stood in solidarity, making an ardent and passionate call for change.

Duncan’s grandmother, Pamela Courten, implored President Joe Biden to take note of what happened in North Jersey on that tragic day.

“It hurts to my core,” the bereaved teen’s family member told a tearful crowd. “I can’t sleep at night. I’m not the only one. It’s all over the country.”

“How do these kids get guns?” she despaired.

• See related article: Heartbreak, Outrage Over Slaying Of Student-Athlete In East Orange
• See related article: ‘Shaking My Head’: Short Reflections On The Killing Of Letrell Ducan
• See related article: NJ Man Fatally Shot 2 Blocks From Where East Orange Teen Died

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