In the late summer evening of August 30, 2021, in Newark, New Jersey, the life of 17-year-old Khalif Harrington was tragically cut short. A male student about to begin his senior year at West Side High School, Khalif was described by those who knew him as a good-natured and playful young man who enjoyed making people laugh. He had spent part of his evening at 'Lights On,' a safe after-hours program held at his high school that provided students with dinner and recreational activities.
He left the event shortly after 9 p.m. to make his way home.
Not long after leaving the school, reports of gunfire in the area of South Orange Avenue and Ashland Street prompted a response from Newark police officers. Upon their arrival, they discovered Khalif in the street, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite the immediate attention of emergency responders, his injuries proved fatal, and he was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:46 p.m.
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department, launched an investigation into the fatal shooting. In the days and weeks that followed, authorities appealed to the public for any information that might lead to the apprehension of those responsible for Khalif's death. However, no suspects were publicly identified, and no arrests have been announced in connection with the case. The investigation was reported as active and ongoing, leaving a community to mourn the loss of a young life and to await answers that have yet to come.
