In the fall of 2019, the life of 19-year-old Waleik McCollum was cut short in a fatal shooting in Newark, New Jersey. On September 29, in the area of Brookdale and Lindsey avenues, McCollum was targeted by a gunman who fired at him nine times with a. 40 caliber handgun. McCollum, a male resident of Newark, was struck twice, with one of the bullets hitting him in the head.
Despite the severity of his injuries, McCollum survived for more than 24 hours.
In that critical time before succumbing to his wounds, he was able to identify the person who shot him, naming 'Peewee' as his attacker. This dying declaration became a crucial piece of evidence for investigators. Surveillance video from the area also showed the suspect, later identified as 22-year-old Zahir 'Peewee' Moore, also of Newark, searching for McCollum and waiting outside his home prior to the shooting.
The investigation led to the arrest of Moore. In January 2023, an Essex County jury convicted him on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. The conviction was the result of a four-day trial. For the murder conviction, Moore faced a sentence of 30 years to life in New Jersey State Prison. Prosecutors highlighted the bravery of community members who came forward and the diligent work of the Essex County Prosecutor's Homicide Task Force and Newark's Shooting Response Team in bringing about justice for McCollum and his family.
