Teen Girl Killed in New Brunswick Shooting

Victim identified as 16-year-old Jazariah Del Toro, juvenile suspect charged

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:39pm

A 16-year-old girl was fatally shot inside a home in New Brunswick, New Jersey on Tuesday afternoon. The victim was identified as Jazariah Del Toro, and a 16-year-old boy from Mays Landing has been charged as a juvenile with aggravated manslaughter, unlawful possession of a handgun, and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose. Authorities say the teens knew each other, but the nature of their relationship was not disclosed.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has left Jazariah's family and community grieving, and has raised concerns about gun violence involving young people. The shooting occurred in New Brunswick, which has seen a rise in violent crime in recent years, underscoring the need for continued efforts to address the root causes and improve public safety.

The details

Police responded to reports of gunshots on Lawrence Street around 2:30 pm on Tuesday. They found a teenage girl with a gunshot wound, who was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead. A 16-year-old boy from Mays Landing has been charged as a juvenile with aggravated manslaughter, unlawful possession of a handgun, and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose. Authorities say the victim and suspect knew each other, but did not provide details on the nature of their relationship.

  • The shooting occurred around 2:30 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2026.

The players

Jazariah Del Toro

A 16-year-old girl who was fatally shot inside a home in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

16-year-old suspect

A 16-year-old boy from Mays Landing who has been charged as a juvenile with aggravated manslaughter, unlawful possession of a handgun, and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose in connection with Jazariah Del Toro's death.

Linda Estremera

Middlesex County Prosecutor who provided details about the shooting and the charges against the juvenile suspect.

Cary Fields

Principal of New Brunswick High School, where Jazariah Del Toro was a student, who offered condolences and said counseling services were available for students.

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What they’re saying

“She had a beautiful smile that lit up the world lit up a room. She was a track runner. She was a great kid and did not deserve to have her life taken from her so soon.”

— GoFundMe campaign creator

What’s next

The judge will decide on whether to allow the juvenile suspect to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting has devastated Jazariah's family and community, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence involving young people. It underscores the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of such violence and improve public safety, especially in communities like New Brunswick that have seen a rise in crime in recent years.