A 17-year-old Elizabeth resident has been charged with aggravated manslaughter and weapons offenses in connection with the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy, authorities announced.
A juvenile has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a 15-year-old in Elizabeth earlier this month, according to Union County prosecutors.
Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel, Elizabeth Police Director Earl Graves, and Elizabeth Police Chief Giacomo Sacca announced that a 17-year-old male from Elizabeth was taken into custody Monday and charged in the case.
The juvenile is charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
Teen found fatally wounded
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:15 p.m. on June 5 when officers from the Elizabeth Police Department responded to a residence on Florida Street following reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 15-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound.
“Upon their arrival they located a 15-year-old male, who sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene,” authorities said.
The victim’s identity has not been released.
Arrest follows homicide investigation
Following an investigation by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force and Elizabeth Police Department, detectives identified a 17-year-old Elizabeth resident as the suspect.
The juvenile was arrested on June 8 and formally charged in connection with the shooting.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident because of the defendant’s age and the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Officials thank public for assistance
Prosecutor Daniel credited members of the public and multiple law enforcement agencies for helping advance the investigation.
“We would like to thank the members of the public for their assistance with this investigation, as well as members of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force, Union County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit, and the Elizabeth Police Department for their diligent work during this investigation,” Daniel said.
The investigation remains active.
Anyone with information is asked to contact UCPO Homicide Task Force Detective Kevin Stanicki at 908-477-6649, Sergeant Nicholas Veltre at 908-347-7330, or Elizabeth Police Detective Eduardo Lozada at 908-558-2033.
Key Points
• A 17-year-old Elizabeth resident has been charged with aggravated manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy.
• Police responded to a residence on Florida Street on June 5 and found the victim suffering from a fatal gunshot wound.
• Authorities credited tips from the public and multiple law enforcement agencies for assisting the investigation.
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