JERSEY CITY, N.J. — A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting death of 15-year-old Cianna Lee and the injury of her 37-year-old relative in Jersey City last Saturday, authorities announced.
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said the juvenile, whose identity has not been released due to his age, faces charges including murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and multiple weapons offenses. The charges stem from a shooting that occurred around 11:00 p.m. on January 18 near Martin Luther King Drive and Union Street.
Responding officers found Lee and her relative with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle on Oak Street. Lee was transported to Jersey City Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead shortly after 1:20 a.m. on January 19. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide caused by a gunshot wound. The second victim was treated at the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the shooting or any details about the relationship between the suspect and the victims. Because the suspect is a minor, further information on the case remains confidential.
“The tragic loss of a young life to senseless violence is devastating for the community,” Prosecutor Suarez said. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.