Trenton shooting leads to homicide arrest after victim dies from head wound

Trenton man charged with murder after weekend shooting leaves 20-year-old dead

TRENTON, N.J. – A 40-year-old Trenton man has been charged with murder after a weekend shooting left a young victim critically wounded before he later died, authorities announced Tuesday, marking a swift arrest in a case that unfolded over several days.

The shooting occurred around 1 a.m. Friday when patrol officers responded to a Shot Spotter alert near Beatty Street and Freudenmacher Alley, where they found 20-year-old Wilber Quib-Cuc suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in critical condition.

Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey and Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson said the investigation, led by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and Trenton’s Shooting Response Team, quickly developed a suspect.

Suspect detained near scene, additional charges filed

Detectives returning to the scene the following day observed a man matching the suspect’s description. Darnell Housley, 40, of Trenton, was detained and found in possession of a 9mm handgun and suspected heroin, according to officials.

Housley was initially charged with weapons and narcotics offenses following his arrest.

Key Points

20-year-old victim shot in the head early Friday in Trenton alleyway
Suspect arrested next day with handgun and suspected heroin
Murder charge filed after victim dies from injuries on Saturday

Quib-Cuc succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, prompting authorities to upgrade the charges. Prosecutors said further investigation led to a murder charge and additional weapons offenses being filed against Housley on Tuesday.

Investigation ongoing, detention motion filed

The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Housley pending trial as the investigation continues.

Officials are asking anyone with information to contact Mercer County Homicide Task Force Detective Tim Bruey at (609) 989-6406 or submit tips anonymously through the prosecutor’s website.

Despite the charges, authorities emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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