In the suburban setting of Carteret, New Jersey, a violent incident shattered the afternoon calm on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. On that day, Malik Pandy, a 27-year-old male, was fatally shot while sitting in a parked vehicle on Lincoln Avenue. The sudden eruption of gunfire, which occurred at approximately 1:06 p.m., also resulted in injuries to a second man who was with Pandy.
First responders rushed to the scene and transported both victims to a nearby hospital for treatment of their gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Malik Pandy succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The second victim was treated for his injuries and was eventually released.
The investigation into the shooting was a collaborative effort between the Carteret Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office. Authorities appealed to the public for any information or surveillance footage that could shed light on the events of that afternoon. Their investigation led them to identify a fellow Carteret resident as the suspected gunman.
A significant development in the case came when 29-year-old Yhakeem Kornegay surrendered to the police on the Sunday following the shooting. Kornegay was subsequently arrested and faced a series of serious charges in connection with the incident. These charges included first-degree murder for the death of Malik Pandy, first-degree attempted murder related to the second victim, second-degree aggravated assault, and two weapon possession charges. Following his arrest, Kornegay was held at the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center, awaiting a pre-trial detention hearing.
