TRENTON, NJ – An 18-year-old Trenton man has been arrested in connection with a fatal Halloween night stabbing that left a 17-year-old dead during a chaotic street disturbance in the city.
Authorities said Jemair Austin was taken into custody Friday by members of the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force following an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department.
Austin faces charges including first-degree murder, multiple weapons offenses, and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Prosecutors have filed a motion to keep him detained pending trial.
Key Points
- Jemair Austin, 18, of Trenton, was arrested for the Halloween night murder of a 17-year-old.
- The victim, Gussiah McEachern, suffered a fatal stab wound to the throat on East Hanover Street.
- Authorities described a chaotic scene involving more than 100 people and multiple altercations.
Halloween chaos turns deadly
Police responded to East Hanover Street around 10:01 p.m. on Halloween after multiple 911 calls reported fights, stabbings, and possible shootings amid a large crowd of juveniles. When officers arrived, they found 17-year-old Gussiah McEachern lying in the street with a severe stab wound to his throat. He was rushed to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Over 100 people caught in street gridlock
Video footage reviewed by investigators showed a mass of people and vehicles jammed along East Hanover Street, with witnesses describing confusion and violence erupting simultaneously. Detectives say more than 100 individuals were present during the incident, making the investigation complex and ongoing.
Prosecutor urges witnesses to come forward
Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey and Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson confirmed that the case remains open as detectives continue gathering statements and evidence. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Detective James Rickey at (609) 989-6406 or submit tips anonymously through mercercountyprosecutor.com.
Despite the arrest, prosecutors emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
