In the city of Plainfield, New Jersey, a young man’s life was cut short on New Year’s Day of 2015. Fatin Hunt, a 20-year-old male, was in the 200 block of Richmond Street when the sound of gunfire shattered the night. Police responded to reports of shots fired and discovered Hunt suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before 11 p.m.
The Union County Prosecutor's Office and the Plainfield Police Division immediately launched a joint investigation
into the homicide. As authorities delved into the case, they urged the public for assistance, offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that would lead to an arrest and indictment. The investigation continued for several months, seeking to bring justice for Fatin Hunt and his family.
In September 2015, a breakthrough in the case was announced with the arrest of a suspect. Gregory Croom, 20 years old at the time of his arrest and also a resident of Plainfield, was taken into custody without incident. He was charged with first-degree murder and two second-degree weapons offenses in connection with Hunt's death. Bail for Croom was set at $800,000.
Following his arrest, the legal process moved forward. In February of 2016, a Union County grand jury returned a six-count indictment against Gregory Croom. The indictment formally charged him with first-degree murder, three related weapons offenses, and two drug offenses, paving the way for a trial.
