Middlesex County Mourns Teens Killed in Gun Violence

Three unrelated incidents in January 2026 leave young lives lost in Sayreville, Edison, and New Brunswick

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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In just the first month of 2026, Middlesex County, New Jersey has already witnessed three killings allegedly perpetrated by teenagers against other teens, all due to gun violence. The victims were 16-year-old Jazariah 'Jazzy' Del Toro in New Brunswick, a 17-year-old boy in Sayreville, and 17-year-old Justice Deas in Edison. The alleged killers, also minors, were charged with acts of juvenile delinquency rather than adult crimes.

Why it matters

These tragic incidents highlight the ongoing issue of gun violence affecting young people in Middlesex County and across New Jersey. The data shows a rise in juvenile weapons offenses, raising concerns about public safety and the need for more youth programs and resources to address the root causes of this violence.

The details

In the New Brunswick case, authorities responded to a report of gunshots and found Jazariah 'Jazzy' Del Toro with a fatal gunshot wound. A 16-year-old boy from Mays Landing was apprehended and charged. In Sayreville, a 17-year-old boy was shot and killed during a confrontation between several teenagers, with footage capturing the incident. In Edison, 17-year-old Justice Deas was killed by gunfire inside her home, and a 17-year-old boy from Plainfield was taken into custody.

  • On January 27, authorities responded to a report of gunshots in New Brunswick and found Jazariah 'Jazzy' Del Toro with a fatal gunshot wound.
  • On January 9, a 17-year-old boy who attended East Brunswick public schools was shot and killed during a confrontation between several teenagers in Sayreville.
  • On January 10, around 1 a.m., a 17-year-old girl named Justice Deas was fatally shot in her townhome in Edison.

The players

Jazariah 'Jazzy' Del Toro

A 16-year-old who was killed by gunfire in New Brunswick.

16-year-old boy from Mays Landing

The alleged perpetrator charged with acts of juvenile delinquency in the killing of Jazariah 'Jazzy' Del Toro.

17-year-old boy

The victim who was shot and killed during a confrontation between several teenagers in Sayreville.

16-year-old boy

The alleged perpetrator charged with acts of juvenile delinquency in the killing of the 17-year-old boy in Sayreville.

Justice Deas

A 17-year-old girl who was fatally shot in her townhome in Edison.

17-year-old boy from Plainfield

The alleged perpetrator charged with acts of juvenile delinquency in the killing of Justice Deas.

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What they’re saying

“My Chulita was a loving, caring and kind hearted child who was only 16 years old and her life was taken from us. She was a great kid and did not deserve to have her life taken from her so soon.”

— Erica Smoot, Mother of Jazariah 'Jazzy' Del Toro (GoFundMe)

“He's a good kid. I'm telling you. Just bad moment, bad crowd, bad timing, that's literally what just happened to him.”

— Oz, Brother of 17-year-old victim in Sayreville (News12 New Jersey)

“We need to unite as a community and come up with programs for our youth so they don't continue to lose their lives.”

— Carla Diaz, Mother of Fernando Buezo Diaz (New Brunswick City Council meeting)

What’s next

The judge in the cases will decide on bail for the alleged perpetrators in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

These tragic incidents underscore the urgent need for more youth programs, mental health resources, and community-based solutions to address the root causes of gun violence affecting young people in Middlesex County and across New Jersey.