In the midst of a festive neighborhood block party and cookout in Irvington, New Jersey, the celebratory atmosphere was shattered by sudden violence. Tarik R. Barnes, a 42-year-old male, was in attendance at the gathering on Montrose Terrace on the night of July 4, 2021. Around 11:45 p.m., what some residents initially mistook for fireworks turned out to be gunshots that would leave two men fatally wounded. When the smoke cleared, Barnes and his 38-year-old brother, Malik A.
McCallister, were found bleeding from multiple bullet wounds.
Emergency services were called to the chaotic scene as residents rushed to administer CPR to the unconscious brothers. They were transported to University Hospital in Newark, where their lives could not be saved. Malik McCallister was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, and Tarik Barnes succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 2:09 a.m. on July 5, 2021. The two brothers, who lived together in Rahway, had been enjoying the holiday festivities when a Black male suspect reportedly appeared and began shooting.
In the aftermath of the tragic double homicide, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office and the Irvington Police Department launched a joint investigation into the killings. Authorities have been searching for the gunman responsible for the deaths of the two brothers. As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the murders. To encourage witnesses to come forward, the Essex County Sheriff's Crime Stoppers Program has offered a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this senseless act of violence that cut short the lives of Tarik Barnes and his brother. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to seek justice for the two victims.
