Newark Child’s Gunshot Death Was ‘Self-Inflicted,’ Police Say – Patch.com
NEWARK, NJ — Three people have been charged in connection with the death of an 8-year-old boy in Newark, which resulted from a “self-inflicted” gunshot wound, authorities say.
An investigation has been launched into the death of Jahmeer Allen, who died Sunday night. Details were scarce until the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Newark Department of Public Safety released a joint statement on Tuesday.
Authorities released the following statement about the shooting:
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“On the night of Sunday, Aug. 29, Newark Police officers went to the 100-block of Schuyler Avenue in Newark where there was a report of an 8-year-old suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The preliminary investigation indicates the child, who is disabled and, in a wheelchair, sustained fatal injuries. At the time of the shooting, there was a 10-year-old in the house, and Jahnaya Black, the victim’s aunt, who was sleeping.”
Authorities continued:
“At this time, three adults have been charged. Shaneefah Allen, 43, the grandmother and legal guardian of the victim, and Jahnaya Black, 23, the victim’s aunt, have both been charged with second degree endangering the welfare of a child. Shaneefah Allen was not home at the time the shooting occurred. Black was the only adult in the home when the shooting occurred. Marquis Wright, 18, the victim’s uncle, was charged with second degree unlawful possession of a weapon; third degree endangering the welfare of a child; third degree transporting a manufactured firearm without a serial number and the disorderly persons offense of allowing a minor access to a loaded firearm. It is alleged that Wright brought the gun into the apartment and left it unattended.”
The two women are in custody. Wright remains at large, authorities said Tuesday afternoon.
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Police released a photo of Wright, which can be seen below. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.
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