Deadly nj restaurant shooting sparks urgent manhunt
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Deadly NJ restaurant shooting sparks urgent manhunt

$10K reward offered after deadly mass shooting at NJ restaurant leaves one dead

UNION, NJ – A late-night shooting inside a busy Route 22 restaurant left one man dead and six others wounded, as multiple gunmen opened fire and fled, triggering a multi-agency investigation now backed by a $10,000 reward.

The violence unfolded around 9 p.m. Saturday at a Chick-fil-A in Union, where police say several suspects entered the establishment and began shooting. The attack resulted in the death of 23-year-old Malek Shepherd of New York City.

Six additional victims were injured during the incident. Their conditions have not been detailed.

Investigators said the shooting does not appear to be random, though no suspects have been taken into custody. Authorities confirmed the individuals involved remain at large.

The Union County Homicide Task Force is leading the investigation, working to identify and locate those responsible.

Union County Crime Stoppers has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an indictment and conviction in the case.

Officials are urging anyone with information to come forward, including through anonymous tip lines, as the investigation continues.

Authorities stated there is no ongoing threat to the general public but advised residents to remain alert and report suspicious activity.


Key Points

  • One person killed and six injured in shooting at Union, NJ restaurant
  • Multiple gunmen remain at large as investigation continues
  • $10,000 reward offered for information leading to arrests
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News