In the West Ward of Newark, New Jersey, the life of 20-year-old Kasson L. Brown was tragically cut short on the night of January 2, 2021. Brown, a Black/African American male, was fatally shot near the intersection of South 9th Street and 14th Avenue. Residents in the area reported hearing over a dozen gunshots at approximately 11:23 p.m. and promptly alerted the authorities.
When police arrived at the scene, they discovered Brown inside a vehicle, unconscious and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:39 p.m.
A recent graduate of Marion P. Thomas Charter School, Brown had aspirations of attending trade school. His family described him as a young man with a passion for cars, a love so strong it earned him the nickname 'Hellcat.' He was reportedly on his way home, as he lived nearby, when the shooting occurred. The community, while accustomed to the sound of gunfire, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a young man they felt was on a positive path.
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department, is leading the investigation into Brown's death. As of the latest available reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the fatal shooting. Investigators have received information that a red Dodge Charger was seen speeding away from the area immediately following the incident. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward as the investigation remains active and ongoing, leaving a community to mourn and await justice for a life taken too soon.
