In a tragic turn of events, a promising young Black/African American man, Mark Hudson Jr., a 21-year-old resident of Trenton, New Jersey, had his life cut short on November 22, 2021. A graduate of Ewing High School, Hudson was furthering his education at Mercer County Community College. Known affectionately as 'Markie,' he was an active and dedicated member of the Friendship Baptist Church, where he participated in the youth choir, praise and worship team, and various church clubs and plays.
He was also a Junior Mason with the Dr. Arthur T. Shack Order of the Knights of Pythagoras and King David Lodge #15. Those who knew him remembered his passion for basketball, video games, and an eagerness to learn about stock trading.
On that Monday, the violence of the outside world shattered the peace of a residential neighborhood. Hudson was shot multiple times in broad daylight on the 200 block of Douglas Avenue in Ewing. He was rushed to the Capital Health Regional Medical Center, but despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries. The sudden and violent nature of his death sent shockwaves through his community, leaving family and friends to mourn the loss of a young man with a bright future.
The investigation into the homicide was conducted by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Ewing Police Department. Their efforts led to the apprehension of two suspects five days later, on November 27, 2021. Tyshawn Smith, then 23, was arrested and charged with murder, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a handgun. The prosecutor's office subsequently filed a motion to detain Smith pending his trial. A second individual, 21-year-old Brianne Novak, was also taken into custody and charged with hindering apprehension for allegedly providing false information to law enforcement officials during the investigation.
