In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a family celebration in Newark, New Jersey, became the scene of a devastating tragedy, culminating in the death of 10-year-old Josiah Coleman. The young boy, a fifth-grader who had recently moved to Newark from Pennsylvania, was visiting his father to celebrate his sister's birthday. Friends and family described Josiah as a loving child who adored playing basketball and video games.
During the early morning hours at a gathering in a multifamily home on South 19th Street, the unthinkable happened. An 11-year-old child came into possession of a firearm and, in what authorities have described as a tragic accident, the weapon discharged. A single bullet struck Josiah in the chest. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
The incident sent shockwaves through the community and left his family reeling from the sudden and senseless loss.
In the immediate aftermath, law enforcement officials began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, focusing on how the juvenile shooter gained access to the gun. As the inquiry unfolded, Josiah's father, William Lowther, was taken into custody on charges of criminal mischief. It was reported that he had allegedly assaulted a police officer in the chaotic and emotional moments following his son's death. Despite this arrest, authorities have maintained that no one has been charged directly in connection with Josiah's death, which they have consistently characterized as a tragic accident. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
