There’s been a rash of shootings in the last month on the south side of the city, amidst everything that is happening with the Corona-virus. We are in complete lockdown yet young kids are dying in our streets. Youth writer and activist Safa Mostafa reports.

—–

Up until March 31, Jersey City has only had one homicide. I’d prefer it if we’d have zero but we’re all happy to at least see an improvement. Another huge improvement is our Jersey City Police department clearing 94 guns off the streets, thus making our community safer. Exactly the kind of positive news I want to hear since writing about the tragic hate crime last December. Speaking of which, the Kosher store has reopened and is one of the few local stores to support during this pandemic.

After March 31, Greenville has seen a spike in violence. The last time we’ve had a timeline of shootings was July 2020. Jersey City Spokeswomen Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione hinted that those shootings were caused by recent inmates being released back into society. On March 24, 700 inmates were released all across New Jersey. That includes 30 released from Hudson County Correction Facilities. The supreme court ruled for “low-level offenders” to be released to slow the spread of COVID- 19 as some prisoners have tested positive.

That being said, I’m finding things in common with a handful of the shootings that have happened. But first, let’s go down the timeline.

March 31

25-year-old Damone Smith was fatally shot on the upper body that Tuesday evening on Rose and Cator Avenue. He was later taken to the Jersey City Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. There has been no arrest made.

Not long after, reports of two incidents of shots fired in the area of Rutgers and Warner avenue and Rutgers and Stevens avenue.

April 1

17-year-old Stephanie Jacques and an 18-year-old male (unidentified) were shot in a drive-by on Martin Luther King Drive near Oak Street. Both were shot on the lower body and were treated at the Jersey City Medical Center for their injury. Jacques was released that night and sent home. The morning after, she unfortunately passed away. The medical center declined to comment.

Both victims had no relationship, it was a coincidence that they were walking the same way but a block apart.

Two arrests have been made, a pair of 20-year-olds were charged with the murder of Jacques and attempted murder of the 18-year-old male. According to police reports, one of the teens is apart of the 300 gang.

April 2

A 23-year-old man was shot in the evening on Wilkinson Avenue between Martin Luther King Drive and Ocean Avenue. He was treated for his injuries at the Jersey City Medical Center.

Two arrests have been made, one 18-year-old male the other 16-year-old male.

The morning of there was another shooting. Two men got into a dispute on Linden Avenue, as the argument grew one shot the other. His injuries were nonfatal and an arrest has been made.

April 3

21-year-old Akim Ward was shot in the upper body in there afternoon. Immediately transported to the Jersey City Medical Center where he was unfortunately pronounced dead. The shooting occurred on Cator and Rose Avenue. There have been no arrests made.

April 6

A young male was shot multiple times on Martin Luther King Drive and Myrtle. Out of respect for the family, I won’t mention the victim’s name. There have been no arrests made.

Jersey City has had 4 homicides within a week. That makes up all the homicides in the county, as well. Some ask, “Why are we having all of these shootings while the city is in quarantine?” If you want to play devil’s advocate, it’s the perfect opportunity to take advantage of. Ever notice that the city has more shootings during the summer? When schools are closed, businesses hours change and just people generally have more time on their hands. Similar right now, except for a few things; the courts are closed and police are understaffed as is due to the demand of first responders for COVID- 19.

The Mayor, Steven Fulop, hinted in a recent tweet that “our criminal element decided to use this time to settle disputes.” He’s not wrong, it’s not a coincidence that all 4 homicide happened within a one-mile radius and all the suspects arrested are around the same age. From my experience living in Greenville all my life, gang members aren’t full of a lot of older men but teenagers and young adults. I can also testify that certain gangs have their own streets/ territories. I can’t say the specific gangs that are responsible for these shootings, but this is just another reason to stay home.

If anyone has any information on these homicides, we ask that you share the information with the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip here. All information will be kept confidential.