In the spring of 2017, a life was tragically cut short on the streets of Jersey City. Jimmy Gregory, a 19-year-old Black male, was shot and killed on the evening of April 16th. The incident unfolded around 10 p.m. at the intersection of Ocean and Van Nostrand Avenues, a corner that would become a scene of violence and loss. Gregory sustained a gunshot wound to his upper body and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The shooting cast a shadow over the community, not only for the loss of a
young man but also because a 10-year-old girl was caught in the crossfire. The young girl, who was sitting in a nearby vehicle, was struck in the stomach by a stray bullet. She was rushed to a local hospital for treatment and fortunately survived her injuries. The seemingly random act of violence sent ripples of fear and concern throughout the neighborhood.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, two suspects were quickly apprehended by plainclothes police officers who happened to be in the vicinity and witnessed the event. The suspects were identified as 21-year-old Corey Pickett and 21-year-old Jonathan Ferrera, both residents of Jersey City. Two handguns were recovered at the time of their arrest. Pickett and Ferrera were subsequently charged with a host of serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder, resisting arrest, hindering apprehension, and several weapons offenses.
Following their arrest, Corey Pickett and Jonathan Ferrera appeared in court where they pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office proceeded with the case against the two men, seeking justice for the death of Jimmy Gregory and the wounding of the young girl. The motive for the shooting was not immediately made public as the investigation continued.
