1 killed, 4 injured during shooting at candlelight vigil in Elizabeth
The shooting happened near Elmwood Place and Irvington Avenue around 9:30p.m, where people had gathered earlier in the evening to remember Jamile Robbins, who was fatally shot in the same area seven years ago to the day.
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A candlelight vigil honoring a young man who was killed in Elizabeth ended in tragedy Monday night when gunfire erupted.
Five victims were found at the scene. One was hospitalized and pronounced dead, while the others received treatment for their injuries.
The shooting happened near Elmwood Place and Irvington Avenue around 9:30p.m, where people had gathered earlier in the evening to remember Jamile Robbins, who was fatally shot in the same area seven years ago to the day.
Witnesses told News 12 that a vehicle approached from the direction of Union Avenue and Elmwood Place before occupants began firing dozens of rounds as it traveled down Elmwood Place. The vehicle then turned onto Irvington Avenue, where the vigil had been held, striking multiple victims before fleeing, witnesses said.
Family members of several victims said the vigil had ended about an hour before the shooting. They said many children and older relatives who attended had already gone inside when the gunfire began.
According to relatives, all five people who were shot were young adults in their late teens or early 20s. The youngest victim was 18 years old. Family members said two of the victims are cousins of Robbins, while the other three are close friends.
Video from the scene showed bullet holes in several vehicles parked nearby.
Family friends described the shooting as devastating, particularly for those who witnessed it unfold.
“The one that got shot in the shoulder, he's a very close friend, and it hurts a lot,” said one family friend. “His friend is in the hospital also fighting for his life. One got killed right there. So it's a lot on him. It's just hard keeping him together because he is so angry at himself also because his friend said his last words in front of him.”
The Union County Prosecutors Office is investigating this shooting.
They have not yet released the identity of the person killed or announced any arrests. The investigation remains ongoing.
