In the early morning hours of April 4, 2017, the life of 17-year-old Kassim Hayes was tragically cut short in Plainfield, New Jersey. A senior at Plainfield High School, Kassim was known for his love of basketball and the time he spent with his friends. He was a resident of Plainfield, having previously lived in North Carolina.
Plainfield Police Division patrol units responded to reports of gunfire in the 600 block of West Fourth Street shortly after 4 a.m.
Upon their arrival, they discovered Kassim with fatal gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. The community was shaken by the event, and a prayer vigil was held to mourn his passing and bring attention to the issue of gun violence in the area.
An active and joint investigation was launched by the Union County Homicide Task Force, the Plainfield Police Division, the Union County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Unit, and the Union County Police Department Ballistics Unit. Authorities urged anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation. However, details regarding a motive or any potential suspects have not been publicly released. As of the latest available information, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, and the investigation remains ongoing.
