Trenton officials say the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office is now leading the investigation into a deadly shooting at an unauthorized block party early Sunday morning, though a motive has not yet been released.
The community is mourning the loss of two victims and hoping the eight others wounded will recover.
Residents expressed frustration and grief in the aftermath. Grace Fernandez, a Trenton resident, said, "This should have been prevented."
Police say ten people were shot, ranging in age from 23 to 43. Two victims, a 33-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man, were killed. Mayor Reed Gusciora said the man had recently been recognized at an event for rebuilding his life after incarceration.
"Ten victims is unconscionable," Gusciora said, adding that residents must request a permit for these gatherings. "People should not be having unauthorized parties. If they wanted to have a block party, they need to involve police; they need to involve the city. But it is most unfortunate this is a party that got well out of hand."
Officials say more than 100 people gathered on the 100 block of Locust Street on Saturday night before suspects fired into the crowd shortly after midnight. Dispatch audio captured the chaos.
"We got about 15 calls so far. Multiple gunshot victims. Locust Street," according to the audio.
Later, dispatchers reported, "We got 4 shot - one shot in the head, 2 shot in the chest."
Neighboring departments and state police responded, recovering more than 50 shell casings at the scene.
Fernandez questioned how the gathering went unnoticed.
"This was 12:30 in the morning. They are three blocks from here. The police comes around here. There is no way they didn't notice all these people here," she said.
Police Director Steve Wilson said officers had been monitoring the crowd.
"Even sometimes with the presence of police these things happen, and it's unfortunate that it's that way. There are people in this city and others that are dastardly and evil, and it doesn't matter who is around and their intent on destruction," Wilson said.
Gusciora said the city is now taking proactive steps to prevent unauthorized gatherings and urged residents to help.
"Our prayers go out to the families and the victims, but this can be prevented in the future. If people see something, they should say something and help keep the neighborhood safe," Gusciora said.
No arrests have been made. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage, and anyone with information or video is asked to contact police.
Gusciora says community partners will speak with residents in the neighborhood and provide necessary resources.