By: Michael Mandarino, Follow South Jersey Managing Editor
FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP, N.J. — On Monday morning, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal confirmed that one individual has been arrested after the mass shooting that took place at a Fairfield Township house party on Saturday night.
Governor Phil Murphy held a press briefing on Monday morning along with Attorney General Grewal, who also confirmed the identities of the two people who died as a result of the shooting. Kevin Elliott and Asia Hester, both of Bridgeton, passed away on Saturday night. Elliott was 30 years old, and Hester was 25.
Law enforcement is still in the early stages of its criminal investigation into the mass shooting. However, investigators have recovered “multiple firearms” and shell casings from the scene of the crime, and they’re working with federal agencies to confirm where exactly these guns came from. Attorney General Grewal also anticipates the possibility of more arrests in connection with Saturday night’s shooting.
“Based on our preliminary assessment, here’s what we know: This was not a random act of violence,” Attorney General Grewal said. “This was a targeted attack. … While hundreds fled that party and ran from danger, our state troopers ran towards it. Their bravery, their hard work helped to quickly restore order and allowed medical staff to treat the wounded.”
Earlier on Saturday, New Jersey state troopers responded to another party in Fairfield Township on noise complaint calls. The state police believe that, after that earlier party was dispersed around 11 p.m., some of those guests went to the party on E. Commerce St. where the shooting took place. The shooting took place at a birthday party with more than 100 guests.
In addition to the two people who died Saturday night, 12 other people were injured in the shooting. Gov. Murphy confirmed that some of those 12 people have already been released from the hospital while others are still being treated for their injuries. One person was in critical condition as of early Sunday morning after getting shot at the house party in Fairfield Township.
Anybody with additional information regarding Saturday night’s shooting — including a potential motive — is urged to contact the New Jersey State Police’s Bridgeton Station by calling (856) 451-0101. You can also reach out to the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office’s anonymous tip hotline by visiting its website.
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