In the early morning hours of July 7, 2021, a tragedy unfolded on Clark Street in Hillside, New Jersey, forever altering the lives of those who knew and loved Damon Hughes. Hughes, a 32-year-old Black male, was found with a serious injury just outside of his residence. The quiet neighborhood was disturbed by the events that transpired shortly before 1 a.m., prompting a swift response from the Hillside Police Department.
Upon their arrival, officers discovered Hughes and immediately arranged for his transport to University Hospital in Newark. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. The investigation into his death was quickly launched, with the Union County Homicide Task Force taking the lead.
They were assisted by the Hillside Police Department, the Union County Police Department Ballistics Unit, and the Union County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Unit.
As investigators began to piece together the events of that fateful morning, they urged the public to come forward with any information. It was reported that a silver Range Rover was seen speeding away from the area around the time of the shooting. Additionally, detectives located shell casings near a private school on Maple Avenue, about three blocks from where Hughes was found.
In the wake of this violence, authorities have continued to seek information from the community to help bring those responsible to justice. To date, there has been no public identification of any suspects, and no arrests have been made in connection with the death of Damon Hughes. The investigation remains active as law enforcement continues to search for answers and provide closure for his family and friends.
