Nationwide — Jazariah Del Toro, a 16-year-old African American teen from New Brunswick, New Jersey, was shot and killed in her home on Tuesday. Authorities say another 16-year-old boy, who knew her, has been charged in connection with her death.
Police responded just before 2:30 p.m. to reports of gunshots near North Ward and Lawrence streets. Neighbors said they heard the shots and quickly realized that Del Toro, a student in the New Brunswick school system, had been hit. She was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after.
According to News 12 New Jersey, the teen charged in the shooting is also 16. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office said he is now in custody, facing juvenile delinquency charges. If tried as an adult, he could face more serious charges, including aggravated manslaughter and illegal possession of a handgun.
Friends and neighbors described the tragedy as shocking. One neighbor said, “Who wants to hear that a 16-year-old got shot and killed? I don’t know what happened verbatim, but I do know that her mom is a single mom, and I’m sure these are really rough times for her.”
Del Toro’s mother started a GoFundMe to cover burial costs and help relocate the family. It has so far raised over $24,000. The community has rallied around the family, remembering Jazariah as a young life tragically cut short.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the shooting and are asking anyone with information to come forward.