Police in Maplewood, New Jersey investigate unrelated house fire Courtemanche remained on the phone throughout the incident, according to officials. Anyone with information on either of these incidents is urged to contact Monmouth County Prosecutors Office Detective Thomas Manzo at 800-533-7443 or Neptune Township Police Detective Carrie Bartlett at 732-988-8000. Three men allegedly did a . ALSO READ | Critically acclaimed 'Immersive Van Gogh' opening in NYC this month. He must complete 85% of the 15 years, the judge told him. School and basketball.. MAPLEWOOD, N.J. (WABC) -- Police are investigating two unrelated incidents, a house fire and a possible domestic crime, that happened within 40 minutes of each other Wednesday morning.. He was pronounced dead at the scene. When asked if he could imagine why anyone would want to harm Fofana, soccer teammate Joshua Billec said, "I can't. Independence Day Celebrations. Copyright 2023 WABC-TV. Tracey Tully covers New Jersey. Billec said his whole goal was to make the varsity team and when he did, he couldn't get the smile off his face for the rest of the month. Police said Courtemanche was positioned over Miedico as she fell, still wielding the knife. @traceytully, A version of this article appears in print on, Basketball Standout, 16, Is Shot and Killed in New Jersey, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/04/nyregion/nj-teen-letrell-duncan-killed.html. MAPLEWOOD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A northern New Jersey community is mourning the loss of an 11th grade student who was fatally shot on his way to a friend's house. MAPLEWOOD, New Jersey (WABC) -- A judge accepted a plea deal Thursday in connection with the murder of a standout high school soccer player despite outrage from a New Jersey community. Letrells death is under investigation by the citys police department and the Essex County Prosecutors Office homicide and major crimes task force; the police had made no arrests by early Tuesday evening. And last year, the number of shooting victims went down by nearly 30 percent from 2020. Brown, 30, of Livingston was shot at approximately 8:20 p.m. on Springfield Avenue in Maplewood, according to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office. Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? PO Box 1360 Maplewood, NJ 07040 Phone 973-762-4556 Executive Director: Cat Delett The Village Green March 13, 2022 Three males were transported to Rutgers University Hospital with apparent gunshot wounds after reports of shots fired in the area of Tiffany Place in Maplewood on Saturday afternoon, March 12, shortly before 4 p.m. Fofana was a star soccer player at Columbia High School. An attorney representing the child's family accused the teacher of yanking the hijab off in front of the entire class. MAPLEWOOD, NJ Maplewood Police Chief James DeVaul said Thursday that police have arrested and charged a man whom they were seeking after a shooting in a Maplewood apartment last. Based on the experience and expertise this office possesses, it is our considered opinion that all efforts to resolve this matter have been undertaken.". The other victim was shot in the leg. Plea deal accepted in New Jersey soccer star's murder despite outrage Meanwhile, attorney Samantha Harris, who represents the elementary school teacher, released a statement in response to the allegations: "This is not a story about a teacher who forcibly removed a student's hijab. Topics you care about, straight to your inbox. And even after this somebody is next. Fofana was looking forward to his second year as a varsity high school soccer player. Upon arrival, officers located 26-year-old Ayres Gray Jr. of Manalapan in a parked vehicle on South Concourse, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds. "Ultimately, the teacher succeeds in pulling the hijab off her head, followed by a bizarre statement which is, 'Your hair is beautiful,'" the attorney said. The mother said her son will never get married or see his brother grow up or spend holidays together. Can you imagine getting a call after school that something happened to your child? "Life will never be the same.". Nothing else. / CBS New York. Draft Master Plan. Please fill out our TAPinto2023Reader Survey. Contact Us. The build is ON at the National Constitution Center. A police officer answered. Yohan Hernandez was later arrested and charged with Fofana's death. Hernandez, who is not a U.S. citizen, was advised by the judge that he will likely be deported after he serves his sentence. June 24, 2023. Contact Us. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. NEWARK Becoming a professional soccer player and being able to provide for his mother is all Moussa Fofana wanted since he was a young boy. 18-year-old Moussa Fofana, a student at Columbia High School in Maplewood. NJ high school student dead, another hospitalized after shooting at field Anyone with information about the shooting 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. Last month, attorneys for Hernandez called prosecutors saying he was willing to accept responsibility for the murder, triggering plea negotiations that otherwise were not underway. Three men charged in Maplewood drive-by shooting, caught after high-speed chase. Print Feedback. Gray was then rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries approximately an hour later. All Rights Reserved. . Under the terms of the plea deal, Hernandez will spend 15 years in prison. Maplewood Township, NJ 07040. Hernandez initially told police that Fofana took a swing at him but it was later determined he hadn't, Pompelio said. CONTACT US. "This is abuse," she wrote. 7 killed, 46 injured in 10 weekend mass shootings nationwide. The police obtained surveillance video of the street from a popular corner store near the site of the shooting, an employee said. The two parties agreed to a 15-year sentence. He's not a bad kid. Wyoming Avenue Road Work. According to investigators, on Jan. 23, 2022, just after noon, Burlington police got a 911 call from Courtemanche saying he had a knife and that he didnt know how he was feeling. He told the dispatcher that he was unsure how he would respond when officers arrived and that he would not put the knife down. Hernandez, of Newark, was arrested later that summer and charged with murder, aggravated assault and other offenses. WABC CNN One teenager was killed and another was injured in a shooting near a New Jersey school on Sunday night, according to Ronald Taylor, the superintendent of the South Orange &. Marquise Kindel, a former East Orange basketball player, was among a group of residents who gathered Tuesday afternoon outside Crown Fried Chicken to remember the slain teenager. All Rights Reserved. All Rights Reserved. He died just before 4 p.m. at University Hospital in Newark. Middletown Super 'Vehemently' Disagrees With AG On Transgender Policy. Further investigation revealed that a house located on the 20 block of Hillview Drive also in Neptune Township was hosting a party where shots had been fired shortly before the fatal shooting took place on South Concourse. Upon officers' arrival, Patrols located the victim in that area. "Please, I just need justice for my son," he said through his tears. "I was shocked." Adding to the shock was the crime's setting: near the New Jersey. Hawa Fofana said her world came crashing down around her when she received the phone call that her son had been shot. 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. Oct. 4, 2022 Letrell Duncan, a 16-year-old basketball standout, walked out of his New Jersey high school with friends on Monday afternoon and was approached a few blocks away by two young men,. Keep In Touch. Hawa Fofana pleaded with Essex County Superior Court Judge Ronald Wigler to not accept the 15-year plea deal and to "do right by [her] son," who had his whole life ahead of him. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. But Judge Ronald Wigler permitted the plea arrangement to move forward, citing the recommendation of Essex County Prosecutor's Office. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. He faces 15 years in prison. Follow Boston.com on Instagram (Opens in a New Tab), Follow Boston.com on Twitter (Opens in a New Tab), Like Boston.com on Facebook (Opens in a New Tab), Deputy acquitted for failing to act during deadly Parkland school shooting, Lara: City councilors 'spread stories' about sex toys and drugs in South Boston apartment, France to deploy 40,000 police to quell violence that followed deadly police shooting. Man charged in fatal shooting of Maplewood teen accepts plea deal - News 12 7 killed, 46 injured in 10 weekend mass shootings nationwide Friends said Fofana aspired to be a professional soccer player, adding that after school he often looked after his younger brother to help his mom, who owns a business in town. "A family should never, ever, ever, equate a number to the value to their loved ones because that's not at all what's going on here, that's not at all entered into the equation," Wigler said. Earlier this month they protested the proposed deal, marching from Columbia High School to Maplewood Town Hall, and at least 30 supporters showed up at the Essex County Courthouse on Thursday morning. "She has to pay for that. Friends said Fofana took good care of his mother and his brother and they made him a better young man. We are heartbroken.. MORE NEWS | Actress Lisa Banes in critical condition after hit by scooter at Manhattan intersection, "As Columbia High School parents and members of our community, Marie and I are absolutely heartbroken," Maplewood Mayor Frank McGehee said. The Village Green February 16, 2022 From Maplewood Police Chief Jim DeVaul: On 2/16/22, at approximately 9:55 am a good Samaritan called Maplewood Police Headquarters and reported that there was a male that was possibly shot and was currently outside near Hughes St and Jacoby St. Authorities say that Hernandez is not a U.S. citizen and will likely be deported after serving his sentence. 7,000 more will go to Philabundance and . "I'm not surprised you're not satisfied, and I don't think I would be satisfied if I were in your position," Judge Wigler told the family. Maplewood NJ homicide suspect agrees to 15-year sentence - Bergen Record Shooter of Maplewood NJ teen Moussa Fofana sentenced to jail Youve set the bar. 2023 Junior Police Academy. Murder charges have been dropped. For five straight weekends, the U.S. has had multiple mass-casualty shootings. Six incidents happened in Irvington with three. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 16 at 9 a.m. Hawa Fofana declined to speak to NorthJersey.com following the plea hearing. RichardPompelio, attorney for the Fofana family, said they recently learned that Hernandez's brother had called him saying that he was being picked on and was on his bicycle being chased by Fofana. Hawa told The Record/NorthJersey.com last year. Calendar Maplewood Village Alliance Published June 29, 2023 at 3:24 PM. 2 NJ towns investigating rash of armed robberies on same day District Attorney Ryans office began requesting inquests into fatal officer-involved shootings starting in December 2018 with the aim of ensuring a complete and unbiased review of such incidents. Were just really saddened.. NEPTUNE TOWNSHIP, NJ On Thursday, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced his office is requesting help from anyone who may have witnessed a fatal shooting that took place in Neptune Township in July 2022. In the first nine months of this year, there have been eight reported murders one more than during the same period last year, police data show. After Maplewood officers detain and handcuff 4 juveniles, ages 10, 12 Filming Location Matching "Maplewood, New Jersey, USA" (Sorted - IMDb Just after 9:30 p.m., neighbors heard gunshots. Please enter valid email address to continue. 9. But at 9:30 p.m. on June 6, 2021, while Fofana crossed the field at Underhill in Maplewood, he was shot and was pronounced dead at the scene barely an hour later, dying in the grass where he obsessively practiced at his dream career in sports, something he thought could offer a better life for him and his mother, Hawa told The Record/NorthJersey.com last year. Letrell Duncan, a 16-year-old high school sophomore, was shot and killed on Monday just after school let out for the day. . MAPLEWOOD, N.J. -- A New Jersey family is expressing outrage after they say a teacher pulled the hijab off the head of a 7-year old Muslim girl. He was a very sweet dude," friend Joseph Fabiano added. Reports: 2 people shot in Maplewood on Hughes Street 3 men charged in drive-by shooting at Maplewood apartment complex 15,000 free turkey hoagies- get yours at noon on Arch Street between 5th and 6th. Another student was also injured in the shooting, CBS2's Lisa Rozner reported Monday. Its hard to say that.. Email; Facebook; LinkedIn; Twitter; Reddit; Font Size: +-Archived News. No one was injured. Stay up to date with everything Boston. Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android - https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestopper To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. June 27, 2022, 1:50 PM. We want to hear from you! 2023 www.northjersey.com. Sentencing was set for November 16 at 9 a.m. ALSO READ | Insurance nightmare after rental truck smashes 40 cars in Queens, * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts. Something was said. Neighbors told CBS2 off camera that recently there had been people gathering in the field doing drugs and drinking alcohol, but Sunday's incident was the first time anyone heard of any violence. Wawa Hoagie Day! A victim's family typically provides victim impact statements during the sentencing. Wawa Hoagie Day 2023: Visitors treated to free hoagies on Independence He said it is a rare occurrence that he ever rejects a plea deal and noted that in Essex County, the prosecution never offers a plea bargain in a homicide case. By Morgan Rousseau. Students from a nearby middle school had been dismissed for the day, and the sidewalks were crowded with pedestrians. He's a really good person," neighbor Janae Allen said. Police recovered 44 shell casings at the scene, according to charges. The mother of Sumayyah Wyatt's mother, Cassandra Wyatt, told our sister station WABC-TV that her daughter is no longer interested in wearing the Muslim garb after the incident at Seth Boyden Elementary School in Maplewood, a suburb about 15 miles west of New York City. I'd love for her to apologize to my daughter, and then my daughter would feel better.". But Im satisfied that under all the circumstances, this plea is fair and appropriate., Hawa Fofana, the victim's mother, had urged Wigler to order a stiffer sentence and "do right by [her] son," saying, "I can't sleep [] Life will never be the same.". June 30, 2023 Calendar of free events, paid events, and things to do in Maplewood, NJ Please dont think this 15-year sentence represents the value of Moussas life, Wigler told attendees at Hernandez's plea hearing. Any reasonable law enforcement officer in the same position would reasonably believe that she was in imminent danger of being seriously injured or killed, Judge Shelby M. Smith said in recent inquest findings. She spoke passionately as she described the teenager as kind and a wonderful brother, friend, son and cousin and spoke of how much the tragedy affected her. He was an excellent teammate, a great friend and a coachs ideal player, officials with Garden State Bounce wrote on Instagram. Baker Street Road Closure. Receive the latest news and breaking updates, straight from our newsroom to your inbox. Community fumes over plea deal in fatal shooting of Columbia - CBS News The department this week stresses that residents remember to lock their car doors and remove keyfobs. Hernandez pleaded guilty to manslaughter and a weapons violation in September. The Maplewood teenager and a friend were shot as they were crossing a field near Clinton Elementary School after 9:30 p.m. "A family should never equate a number to the value of their loved one," Wigler said before accepting Hernandez's plea. But on Wednesday, the teacher allegedly told her to remove it. Investigators have been at the scene, the Underhill Sports Complex, since late Sunday night. "I'm not surprised you're not satisfied. Maplewood Events Calendar for June 30, 2023 - Patch The family's attorney said he is working to help the family get a resolution, but their focus is now on Sumayyah. Most politicians in New Jersey are corrupt, at least in the minds of most New Do you ever wonder why so many weddings take place during the month of June? "Our prayers go out to Moussa's family, friends, teammates, classmates, the entire CHS community, our Maplewood-South Orange community and everyone impacted by this senseless and devastating loss due to gun violence. Mothers are getting this call, he said. Please Take Our 2023 Reader Survey. He normally stays to himself. The family was calling for 30 years to life and dismissed the "ridiculously low prison term of 15 years.". Clouds of mysterious gnat-like insects swarming across NYC, FDNY issues vacate order for Brooklyn e-bike shop, Nassau County closes beach due to high bacteria levels. Maplewood, NJ high school student is shot dead on athletic field 35/South Concourse in Neptune Twp. She joined The Times in 2018 as a senior editor. "[Hernandez] took my son's life and I will never be able to see him again.". But minutes later, two people wearing ski masks and carrying a gun confronted the teenagers on a sidewalk in East Orange, N.J., said Marsha Douglas, Letrells aunt, who heard the account from her nephews friends. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. MAPLEWOOD, New Jersey (WABC) -- A community is in mourning Monday after a New Jersey high school student was killed and another injured in a shooting Sunday night. MAPLEWOOD, NJ Maplewood Police are responding to an incident leaving two people shot on Hughes Street on Friday night, according to Breaking News Network. According to Principal Frank Sanchez, Fofana was an 11th grade student. "He's always either outside playing with a soccer ball. Stay up to date on all the latest news from Boston.com. A man accused of fatally shooting a Maplewood teen last year has accepted a plea deal, according to the Essex County Prosecutors Office. No charges for Burlington cop in fatal 2022 officer-involved shooting "We remain committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our schools, including providing anti-bias and anti-racism training for all educators in the district on a regular basis.". 25. "And then there were some people with flashlights walking the track," resident Ellyn Sjoquist said. Crime scene unit cars and police officers spent Monday investigating the death of 18-year-old Moussa Fofana, who was shot inside the Maplewood complex. Newstead Mid-Century Modern Gut Renovated Home New Price! "He thought I was everything to him, but he had no idea he was my everything.". "Schools should be a haven for all of our kids to feel safe, welcome and protected -- no matter their faith.". Every single time when I was stressed out, he'd walk up to me and he would just sit with me and he would talk to me about it. Moussa was born May 22, 2003, but until Fofana was settled with her own business, she sent her son to live with his grandmother in Liberia when he was 5. Im just hoping and praying that they get these people, Ms. Douglas said. First published on June 8, 2021 / 10:10 AM. Police have released more details about Tuesday's deadly shooting in Maplewood, the city's first in over a decade. ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream, Actress Lisa Banes in critical condition after hit by scooter at Manhattan intersection, Critically acclaimed 'Immersive Van Gogh' opening in NYC this month, Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts. Hernandez pleaded guilty to manslaughter and a weapons violation in September, garnering an outpouring of scorn from both the fallen teen's family and community members, who found the 15-year sentence suggested by prosecutors and imposed by Judge Ronald Wigler on Wednesday too lenient. Fofana's father, Yasse, broke down in sobs when speaking to the court. The family of Moussa Fofana begged the Essex County judge not to allow 20-year-old Yohan Hernandez to plead guilty to lesser prison time in a fatal 2021 shooting in Maplewood - a crime that shocked the community. High school student killed and another injured in shooting near - CNN We Want to Hear from You! MAPLEWOOD, NJ - The Maplewood Police Department has released a crime blotter report for the week of March 6-17, 2022. On Tuesday, grief counselors were sent to the 1,660-student high school campus, said Khalifah Shabazz, the districts lawyer. 1:55. "I can't sleep," Hawa Fofana said. "Fifteen years is not good," said Fofana's mother, Hawa. The plea agreement said that Hernandez will be sentenced to 15 years for aggravated manslaughter, 10 years for aggravated assault and five years for the weapons charges, all to run concurrently. NJ news:Here's how some NJ schools will teach sex education. Trump, DeSantis in Philly for Moms for Liberty summit amid protests, Residential blaze erupts in Philadelphia building, Suspect wanted for vandalizing Museum of the American Revolution. Community Board on Police Annual Report. Both officers ordered Courtemanche to put the knife down, but Courtemanche continued to charge at them. Letrell, a sophomore at East Orange Campus High School, was shot four times, according to an Essex County law enforcement official. "The Maplewood Police Department works hard to protect the residents and their property. All rights reserved. Is it MILLBURN, NJ - Jonathan Larsons super successful Rent can now be seen with all its Copyright 2023 TAP IP LLC, All rights reserved. The misinformation shared on social media has caused tremendous harm to (the teacher) - a teacher who, after more than 30 years of devoting her heart and soul to children of all backgrounds, has now had to ask for police protection due to the threats she is receiving following the dissemination of false information on social media.". Letrell Duncan, a sophomore at East Orange Campus High School, was remembered as a team leader and a loving cousin and brother. The Village Green - of Maplewood and South Orange There has been a growing concern about the spread of violence, not only in our community, but also across the nation, the superintendent of schools, AbdulSaleem Hasan, wrote Monday to parents. Violent crime in East Orange declined by roughly 25 percent between 2017 and last year, according to the East Orange Police Department. Investigators are continuing to identify the link between the two incidents. MAPLEWOOD, N.J. -- A New Jersey family is expressing outrage after they say a teacher pulled the hijab off the head of a 7-year old Muslim girl. After striking a deal with prosecutors, Yohan Hernandez, of Newark, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Moussa Fofana, a student at Columbia High School in Maplewood. He was a great kid, said Mr. Kindel, 23. It is very, very, symbolic of disregard of her religion and certainly something that has affected my clients overall.". Were getting numb to it, he added. "Broke my heart, first time I heard it," school crossing guard Wilbert Pitt said. MAPLEWOOD, N.J.-- There is outrage over a plea deal that has been reached in the shooting death of a high school student that rocked a New Jersey community.. Last year, 18-year-old Moussa Fofana . "The hijab is much like any other article of clothing for a Muslim woman. Here's how some NJ schools will teach sex education. MAPLEWOOD, New Jersey (WABC) -- A judge accepted a plea deal Thursday in connection with the murder of a standout high school soccer player despite outrage from a New Jersey community. At that point, Officer Miedico fired her weapon twice, striking and killing Courtemanche, according to officials. Letrell brushed it off. Read More SOMA Real Estate Market Weekly Update. Prosecutor: Arrest made in shooting death of Maplewood teen, Reward for information regarding killing of Maplewood teen increased to $20,000. The shooting occurred around 9:30 p.m. Sunday at . Altariq A. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. To register complaints about emails from TAPinto.net, please email, Reports: Coyote Attacks Woman, Girl and Dog in South Mountain Reservation, Taylor: SOMSD, Board of Education Reaffirm Commitment to Inclusivity as Pride Month Ends. Will they avoid state discipline? 2023 www.northjersey.com. He would just make my day 10 times better.". That has this school community in disbelief. Immediately before she fired the fatal shot, another officer fired a less-than-lethal shot at Courtemanche, but was unable to subdue him, according to officials.