TRENTON, NJ – Criminal justice reform in New Jersey and the revolving door of the New Jersey jail and prison system is at work as Trenton just surpassed the all time number of annual murders in the city. On Tuesday, the 43rd homicide of the year took place in the state capital that seems more concerned about how many people are sitting in a bar than combatting the actual crime and violence that is plaguing the state in 2020.
The previous record was 37 in 2013. Last year, there were 15 homicides in the state capital and 16 the year before.
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force responded to the first block of Chase Street in Trenton just before 4 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon for a reported shooting homicide. Around 3:30 p.m., Trenton police responded to a call regarding a shot male. Police and ambulance responded and found the victim in the street suffering a gunshot wound. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
The victim has been identified as Joel Alexander, 49, of Trenton. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.