Three surviving victims remained in critical condition Monday as investigators searched for multiple suspects who fired into the crowded residential gathering.
TRENTON, N.J. — Two people were killed and eight others wounded after multiple gunmen approached a crowded block party in East Trenton and opened fire early Sunday, leaving more than 50 spent shell casings across a residential block as authorities searched for those responsible.
Authorities on Monday identified the people killed as Tyasiah West, 33, and Anthony Howlett, 42, both of Trenton. Four of the eight surviving victims had been treated and released by Monday, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. Three men, ages 23, 29 and 32, remained hospitalized in critical condition, while a 42-year-old woman remained hospitalized in stable condition. No arrests had been announced, and investigators had not determined a motive.
Trenton police were dispatched to the 100 block of Locust Street at about 12:23 a.m. Aug. 30 after receiving reports of a shooting in progress. Officers encountered several adults suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims were taken by ambulance or private vehicles to Capital Health Regional Medical Center. West and Howlett later died from their injuries. The other wounded victims included two women and six men ranging in age from 23 to 43.
A preliminary investigation found that about 100 people were attending the block party when multiple suspects walked up and began firing into the crowd, according to prosecutors. Investigators recovered more than 50 spent shell casings, and several vehicles were also struck. The crime scene extended across the entire 100 block of Locust Street. Authorities have not publicly said how many shooters they believe were involved, what prompted the attack or whether any of the victims were specifically targeted.
Officials initially gave a higher casualty count in the hours after the shooting. Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora said Sunday that 11 people had been struck by gunfire, with two dead and nine taken for medical treatment. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office later revised the total to 10 people shot, including the two who died. The prosecutor’s updated count of two dead and eight wounded was the latest figure released Monday.
The city and prosecutor’s office also gave different estimates for the size of the gathering. Prosecutors said approximately 100 people were at the block party, while Gusciora described it as an unauthorized gathering involving an estimated 200 or more people on a residential street. The mayor said an event of that size creates safety concerns for residents, attendees and first responders and said the city plans to strengthen efforts to identify and address large gatherings that have not been authorized.
Questions have also emerged from residents about the police response before the gunfire began. Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson told local media that officers were already aware of the gathering and that a police unit was present when the shooting occurred. He said the crowd was larger than the available police presence. City officials referred additional questions about the timeline and response to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, which is leading the homicide investigation.
Friends and community members began remembering West and Howlett on Monday. Friends described West as a loving mother whose personality brought energy to those around her. Howlett had recently been recognized for efforts to rebuild his life after incarceration and for his work in the community, according to the mayor and local reporting. Gusciora said Howlett’s efforts showed that people deserve opportunities to make positive changes after returning home from prison.
Police and community anti-violence workers returned to the neighborhood Monday. Officers were seen going door to door as investigators sought witnesses and reviewed surveillance footage from the area. Community organizations also began canvassing the neighborhood and working with residents as city officials expressed concern about possible further violence following the shooting. Gusciora said street teams and community partners would work in the Wilbur section to support residents and reduce the risk of retaliation.
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and Trenton Police Department are continuing the investigation. Authorities were examining surveillance video and other potential evidence while trying to determine who fired into the crowd and why. The New Jersey State Police and law enforcement agencies from surrounding communities also assisted after the shooting.
As of Monday evening, authorities had announced no arrests and released no descriptions of the suspected shooters. Three surviving victims remained in critical condition and another remained hospitalized in stable condition, while investigators continued searching for witnesses and evidence that could identify those responsible.