ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Two Atlantic City residents were arrested Wednesday in connection with the fatal shooting of 43-year-old Vaughn Lyons, who was found dead late Sunday night on the Route 40 overpass near Atlantic City High School.
William A. Tucker, 52, has been charged with murder and multiple weapons and drug offenses, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. Tucker faces counts including unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of hollow point ammunition, and various charges related to the distribution of controlled dangerous substances within drug-free and school zones.
Sabrina Hearns Evans, 30, was also taken into custody and charged with hindering apprehension for the crime of murder. She faces additional charges involving drug possession and intent to distribute within drug-free and school zones.
Police responded to a 911 call around 11:20 p.m. Sunday from a motorist who reported seeing a man down near 1400 N. Albany Avenue. Officers arrived to find Lyons unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy performed by the Southern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be multiple gunshot wounds. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.
“These charges are merely an accusation and not proof of guilt,” authorities stated, emphasizing that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office and the Atlantic City Police Department.
Authorities continue to seek information from the public in connection with the incident.