What to Know
- Four girls and women were shot while they attended a candlelight vigil in Newark, police say
- The victims were shot at a vigil Saturday night for two teenage boys who died in a crash of a stolen SUV on Friday
- A $50,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest
Gunfire rang out at a candlelight vigil for two teenage car crash victims, hitting four girls and women, critically injuring 16-year-old, officials said Sunday.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka called the shooting "a cowardly act of hatred that pierced the hearts of all in our community." He added that the city is "aggressively investigating this senseless act of violence."
The victims, who ranged in age from 16 to 20, were shot near Bergen Street and Madison Avenue just after 9:15 p.m. Saturday, authorities said. Police initially said all of the victims were teens.
They were lighting candles at a makeshift memorial for two teenage boys who died in a crash involving a stolen SUV on Friday when they were shot, authorities said.
A 16-year-old girl who was shot in the head was on life support, relatives told NBC 4 New York. They contradicted a family spokesperson who previously said she had died.
Her mother identified her as Jayla Green, a cheerleader who loves music and fashion.
The other three victims were each shot in the leg and are listed in stable condition at the hospital, police said. Their exact ages weren't immediately released.
No arrests have been made.
Local
Crime Stoppers offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the shooter or shooters, Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Newark Department of Public Safety's tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS.
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CORRECTION: A previous version of this story reported the 16-year-old girl had died, relying on information from a family spokesperson. Relatives now tell NBC 4 New York that she remains on life support.
