Trenton man charged with murder of michael jones, 44

Trenton man charged with murder of Michael Jones, 44

by
December 30, 2024

TRENTON, N.J. — A 29-year-old Trenton man has been charged with first-degree murder following the fatal shooting of Michael Jones, 44, a city resident, Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey announced. The arrest follows a joint investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, the Trenton Shooting Response Team, and the New Jersey State Police.

Najir Tripp was taken into custody on Sunday during the execution of a search warrant at his Trenton residence. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree certain persons not to possess a weapon. Prosecutors intend to file a motion to detain him pending trial.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Friday on the 300 block of West Hanover Street, where Trenton police responded to a ShotSpotter activation indicating more than 20 rounds fired. Officers arrived to find Jones in the driver’s seat of a black Mercedes sedan with multiple gunshot wounds.

Jones was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day. Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the shooting, and the investigation remains active.

Anyone with information is urged to contact MCHTF Detective Ryan Minnick at (609) 989-6406, Sgt. William Jett Jr. at (609) 331-5010, or email tips to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.

Police charge Trenton man in shooting after victim succumbs to injuries in hospital.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

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