Newburgh Teen Accused of Killing 2 at Halloween Party Pleads Not Guilty

NEWBURGH, NY — A Newburgh teenager who has been accused of shooting and killing two women during a Halloween party pleaded not guilty in a City of Newburgh court Friday.

Nija Johnson, 17, was charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of Tabitha Cruz, 20, and high school senior Omani Free, 18, the Times Herald-Record said.

Johnson, who was captured in Virginia, was indicted on one charge in Orange County Court, which means his case will be transferred for new arraignment.

Two others — Rainier Hamilton and Tyson Oliveira — who police say were Johnson’s accomplices were also in court Friday.

Witnesses at the Dec. 30 party said the lights went out around 12:45 a.m. and then random shots were fired, killing the two women and injuring five others.

Hamilton and Oliviera were arrested and charged wth tampering with evidence, with Hamilton being additionally charged with criminal possession of a weapon.

The three are awaiting grand jury indictments, News 12 said.

For more, read the Times Herald-Record and go to News 12.

Image via Shutterstock.