On a Christmas night that should have been filled with joy, a street in Newark became a scene of sorrow. Abdul “Scooter” Frazier, a 14-year-old male, was caught in a burst of gunfire that erupted on Schley Street. He was with his friend, 15-year-old Kasson Morman, on the porch of his home when the shooting began. Tragically, 13-year-old Zainee Hailey, who was taking out the trash nearby, was also struck.
While Kasson and Zainee died from their injuries shortly after the attack, Abdul
fought for his life for three weeks at University Hospital with a critical wound to his neck. Despite his struggle, Abdul Frazier passed away in the early morning hours, becoming the third young victim of this senseless act of violence. The community was left to mourn the loss of three teenagers whose lives were cut short.
The investigation into the shooting revealed a startling and tragic motive. Law enforcement sources indicated that the shooter, a 15-year-old boy, felt 'disrespected' because one of the male victims had apparently 'hit on' his girlfriend. This perceived slight led to a deadly confrontation. The suspect, whose name was withheld because he was a minor, was arrested shortly after the incident. He initially faced charges of murder and attempted murder, which were later upgraded to three counts of murder following Abdul's death. The teenage suspect ultimately pleaded guilty to the murders of Abdul Frazier, Kasson Morman, and Zainee Hailey.
