East Rutherford, N.J. – Colonel Patrick J. Callahan and Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced today that the New Jersey State Police have arrested Tariq Gathers, 24, Victor Geslicki, 19, Nyshun Morris, 19, and a 16-year-old male, all of Jersey City, N.J. for the fatal shooting of two men Sunday in the parking lot of the Meadowlands Racetrack.
Based on the preliminary investigation, at approximately 9:25 p.m., a trooper assigned to Troop “B” Meadowlands Station was patrolling the complex when he heard gunshots in the vicinity of the Meadowlands Racetrack parking lot. He then observed three males running from the area and enter a dark-colored Audi SUV, fleeing the scene. The trooper advised dispatch of his observations and continued to maintain visual contact with the Audi as it traveled through the Meadowlands Complex.
A short time later, dispatch advised Meadowlands Station patrols that the Audi was reported stolen out of Tenafly, N.J. At this time, the trooper attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop, but the driver attempted to flee onto State Highway 120 northbound where he struck the cement divider and became disabled. The four occupants fled on foot towards the Izod Center. A description of the suspects was provided to assisting patrols, and all four individuals were apprehended by troopers shortly after the crash. Detectives recovered a .38 caliber revolver and a 9mm handgun from inside of the Audi.
During the investigation at the Meadowlands Racetrack parking lot, troopers discovered two men who sustained gunshot wounds inside of an Acura sedan. The 22-year-old male passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene, and the 21-year-old driver was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
Tariq Gathers, Victor Geslicki, Nyshun Morris, and the 16-year-old male were charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, and receiving stolen property. Gathers, Geslicki, and Morris were lodged at the Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing. The 16-year-old male was lodged at the Bergen County Youth Correctional Facility. Detectives believe the susp ects may have committed additional crimes in the area. Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Jersey State Police Major Crime North Unit at 609-947-6024. Anonymous tips are welcome.