On the night of October 25, 2020, Davonte Zamir Scudder, a 22-year-old Black male from Paterson, New Jersey, was fatally shot in the parking lot of the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford. He was in an Acura sedan with his friend, 21-year-old Brian Astacio, who was also killed in the incident. Scudder was pronounced dead at the scene from gunshot wounds, while Astacio was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the double homicide quickly led authorities to several suspects. A state trooper patrolling the area heard the gunshots and saw three individuals flee the scene in a dark-colored Audi SUV. A brief pursuit ensued, ending when the suspects' vehicle crashed into a cement divider. Four individuals from Jersey City were apprehended after a short foot chase: 24-year-old Tariq Gathers, 19-year-old Victor Geslicki, 19-year-old Nyshun Morris, and a 16-year-old male whose name was not released.
At the time of their arrest, police recovered a. 38-caliber revolver and a 9mm handgun from their vehicle. All four were subsequently charged with murder.
Further investigation revealed the involvement of a fifth suspect, 23-year-old Davon Womack, also from Jersey City. It is alleged that Womack was at the Meadowlands complex and saw Scudder and Astacio. He then reportedly contacted the other suspects, tipping them off to the victims' location in the parking lot, which led to the fatal ambush. Womack had traveled to Miami, Florida, following the incident. Through their investigation, detectives learned of his return flight and arrested him at Newark Liberty International Airport. He was charged with two counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and weapons offenses. The motive for the shooting has not been publicly released as the investigation continues.
