16-Year-Old Charged in Lawrence Street Shooting Death

Authorities say the victim and suspect knew each other, and it was not a random act of violence.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:07pm

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A 16-year-old male has been charged with acts of juvenile delinquency for offenses which, if committed by an adult, would constitute aggravated manslaughter, unlawful possession of a handgun, and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose in connection with the shooting death of a 16-year-old female in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Why it matters

Gun violence involving minors is a concerning trend in many urban areas, raising questions about youth access to firearms, the root causes of such incidents, and the appropriate legal and social responses.

The details

Police responded to a call of gunshots on Lawrence Street around 2:28 pm on Tuesday. The 16-year-old female victim was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. The 16-year-old male suspect, from Mays Landing, was charged and is in police custody. Authorities say the victim and suspect knew each other, so it was not a random act of violence.

  • The shooting occurred around 2:28 pm on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.
  • The 16-year-old female victim was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The players

Linda Estremera

Middlesex County Prosecutor.

Vincent Sabo

Chief of the New Brunswick Police Department.

Brandt Gregus

Detective with the New Brunswick Police Department.

Stephanie Redline

Detective with the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether to try the 16-year-old suspect as a juvenile or adult based on the severity of the charges.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence involving minors in urban communities, and the need for comprehensive solutions addressing root causes, youth access to firearms, and appropriate legal responses.