Newark, N.J. — A 10-year-old boy, described by his mother as a vibrant and innocent soul, was tragically shot and killed in a shooting incident that also claimed the life of a 21-year-old woman and injured three others on Saturday night. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. near the intersection of Chancellor Avenue and Leslie Street, as Jordan Garcia and his 11-year-old brother, Jayceon, were walking home from a nearby recreation center.
Jordan was fatally wounded in the gunfire, while his brother sustained serious injuries, requiring hospitalization. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that the other injured individuals included a 19-year-old man and a 60-year-old man. Stephanie Garcia, the boys’ mother, described the grief engulfing her family and the profound impact Jordan had on their community.
In reminiscence, Stephanie painted a portrait of her son as a joyful child who loved playing sports and making friends. “He was a pure soul, trusting and silly,” she said. “He never thought any harm could come his way.” Jordan and his brothers frequented the recreation center for activities such as basketball and football as part of their daily routine.
Following the shooting, Jayceon, although wounded, managed to alert a bystander to his mother’s phone number before emergency responders arrived. Stephanie rushed to the scene, confirming that she reached her sons just before they were transported to the hospital. Jayceon’s recovery has been stable, although he continues to face challenges as he heals.
Jordan was known to be inseparable from his two brothers, often referred to by their mother as “the three amigos.” The boys lived just four blocks from the site of the shooting, and they had become cherished members of their community since moving to the area two years prior. “They were always greeting neighbors and engaging in conversations about sports,” said Stephanie.
In the wake of this tragedy, a community balloon release is planned at Vailsburg Park to honor Jordan’s memory. A GoFundMe campaign has also been initiated to assist the family with funeral expenses and memorial efforts. The campaign was organized by Jordan’s football coach, who described him as an energetic and outgoing child.
Local officials, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, have condemned the violence and urged anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward. A reward of up to $10,000 has been announced for tips leading to the capture of those responsible.
Essex County Sheriff Amir D. Jones expressed the community’s outrage, stating, “What happened was senseless and an attack on our community’s values.” He emphasized the urgency for justice for the families affected by the violence. The investigation remains ongoing, with no arrests made so far. Community members are reminded to use the confidential tips line to report any information related to the case.