In the crisp autumn air of a Friday evening in Newark, New Jersey, on November 17, 2017, the life of 27-year-old Shakeem Bernard was tragically cut short. Known affectionately to his family and friends as 'Breeze,' Shakeem was in the vicinity of 34 Evergreen Avenue when he was fatally shot. The sound of gunfire prompted a 911 call around 9:30 p.m., and when Newark Police arrived at the scene, they found Shakeem suffering from a gunshot wound.
He was rushed to University Hospital, but his injuries proved too severe, and he was pronounced dead.
The events that followed the shooting unfolded quickly and dramatically. Authorities spotted a vehicle fleeing the scene and initiated a pursuit. The chase came to a fiery end when the suspect's vehicle crashed in the 200 block of Frelinghuysen Avenue. The car ignited, and one of the occupants had to be extricated from the burning wreckage. Despite the dramatic crash and subsequent fire, none of the occupants sustained serious injuries. Two suspects were immediately taken into custody.
The investigation into Shakeem's death was a collaborative effort between the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force and Newark Police detectives. Their work led to the arrest of three individuals in connection with the murder. Ali Berger, 27, and Daquan Berger, 24, both of Newark, were charged with conspiracy, murder, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. A third individual, 24-year-old Wajeirah Wilson, also from Newark, was charged with conspiracy and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
