On a cold February night in Newark, New Jersey, tragedy struck on the 100 block of Dewey Street. Jaquill D. Swain, a 28-year-old male, was found outside with a fatal gunshot wound to his head. The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on February 2, 2024. When police arrived at the scene, they discovered the grim reality of the situation. Swain was pronounced dead at 11:32 p.m., his life abruptly ended by an act of violence.
The chaos of that evening left another person wounded. A second victim, a 33-year-old male, also suffered from gunshot injuries during the same incident. He was quickly transported to a local hospital for medical attention. Fortunately, his injuries were not considered life-threatening, and he was expected to recover.
The shooting drew a significant police response to the South Ward community, though their arrival was hampered by a minor bus accident that occurred nearby, straining law enforcement resources for a period of time that night.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force launched an active and ongoing investigation into the death of Jaquill D. Swain. Authorities have not yet made any arrests in connection with the shooting, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deadly event continues as officials appeal to the public for any information that might lead to a breakthrough in the case.