On a cold February evening in Camden, New Jersey, the life of 22-year-old Everardo Alegre-Cortes was tragically cut short. On February 13, 2019, at approximately 9:38 p.m., the sound of gunfire pierced the night at the intersection of Wayne Avenue and North 24th Street. When Camden County Police arrived at the scene, they found Alegre-Cortes, a Hispanic male, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
He was rushed to Cooper University Hospital in a desperate attempt to save his life, but his injuries proved too severe. He was pronounced dead at 11:02 p.m. that same night, leaving a community in mourning and a family devastated by their sudden and violent loss.
In the weeks that followed, investigators worked tirelessly to piece together the events of that fatal night. The investigation soon revealed that the shooting was connected to an alleged robbery. The diligent work of law enforcement led to a major breakthrough in the case a little over two months later. On April 25, 2019, the Camden County Prosecutor's Office announced the arrests of three men in connection with the murder of Everardo Alegre-Cortes, bringing a glimmer of hope for justice to his grieving family.
The suspects were identified as three Camden residents: 21-year-old Isaiah Tanner, 22-year-old Javon Elliott, and 31-year-old Elijah Wilcox. All three men were charged with first-degree felony murder, murder, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Tanner and Elliott faced additional weapons charges. Tanner was already in custody at the Camden County Correctional Facility on unrelated charges when the murder charges were filed. Elliott was apprehended during a traffic stop, and Wilcox was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force. The arrests marked a significant development in a case that had shaken the local community and served as a crucial step towards holding those allegedly responsible for Everardo Alegre-Cortes's untimely death accountable for their actions.
