In the South Ward of Newark, a burst of gunfire shattered the evening calm inside a local barbershop on November 19, 2019, leaving a young man's life cut tragically short. Sabor A. Townes, a 22-year-old male from Maplewood, was fatally wounded in the shooting that took place at 80 Clinton Place. Two other men were also struck by bullets during the incident but ultimately survived their injuries.
Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 8:40 p.m.
inside the Cut Creators barber shop. The Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department, launched an investigation into the shooting. At the time, authorities stated that the preliminary investigation did not suggest a connection to another fatal shooting that had occurred in the city just a day prior.
A graduate of Columbia High School's Class of 2015, Townes was remembered by those who knew him. A memorial service was later held at the National Islamic Association in Newark. In the days and months following the shooting, law enforcement officials continued their investigation, appealing to the public for any information that might lead to an arrest.
Despite the ongoing investigation by the task force, no arrests have been announced in connection with the murder of Sabor Townes. The case remains an active and open investigation, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. The two other victims who were wounded in the barbershop shooting were treated at a local hospital and were reported to be in stable condition. The motive behind the shooting has not been publicly released by investigators.
