First published on September 15, 2022 / 5:31 PM. That's not proportional. Updated: Feb 10, 2022 / 01:19 PM CST. Highly. Moussa, left, became enamored with soccer in middle school, his mother said. "The incident was determined to be domestic in nature," police said. "This inconceivable calamity is undoubtedly a devastating blow to our students, staff and community," schools Superintendent Ronald G. Taylor said in a letter to the community. The MPD Detective Bureau was notified and responded to the scene to begin the investigation into this incident. We would like to express our gratitude to law enforcement and to our entire community for their commitment to justice over the last couple of months.. Officials said that the death was being treated as a homicide and that no arrests had been made. Griffo has a previous conviction of possession of a firearm by an ineligible person and a pending case of fleeing police in a motor vehicle, according to last weeks charges.Related Articles Detectives processed the crime scene and recovered several 9mm shell casings. Police recovered 44 shell casings with at least two different calibers and multiple bullet fragments. On 2/16/22, at approximately 9:55 am a good Samaritan called Maplewood Police Headquarters and reported that there was a male that was possibly shot and was currently outside near Hughes St and Jacoby St. Free Online Journaling Workshop with Hospital for Special Surgery! 2. PO Box 1360 Maplewood, NJ 07040 Phone 973-762-4556 Executive Director: Cat Delett Memorial Park Dr. Ronald G. Taylor, the South Orange-Maplewood schools superintendent, said in a letter to parents and staff members that the shooting was an inconceivable calamity., Suzanne Fein, who was among Moussas middle school teachers, described him to the local news website The Village Green as a student who never went without a thank you and a kind smile, grateful for all who engaged with him.. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. It should be noted that MPD impounded the vehicle Butler was operating at the time of the incident. NJ young men, teen busted after stolen BMW crashes in Newark, hurting federal agent, Convict gets 70 years in prison, for shooting NJ man 10 times to death, Problems linger for NJ Transit, Newark Airport after 105 mph tornado, storm, Suspect shoots at cops inside Newark, NJ apartment building, The 2022-23 NJ school year is now over, but something was very different, NJ school districts hidden camera warning after James OKeefe comes to town, NJ teen charged with carjacking SUV and dumping baby on street, Mom and sheriffs officer pull girl out of Newark, NJ lake, NJ lawyer found dead in prison after conviction for killing girlfriend, Equal Employment Opportunity Policy and EEO Report. At this time Butler remains at large and should be considered armed and dangerous. He can be reached at 651-228-2173. Witnesses said it appeared the shooting was directed at someone in one of the cars that took the gunfire. Matthew Stanmyre Sites commemorating NJ's Revolutionary War history, or preserving rural and industrial life, are gearing up for July 4 celebrations. Adding to the shock was the crimes setting: near the New Jersey soccer field where Moussa distinguished himself as a leading scorer during his high school teams most recent season. Patch Local Businesses, Brand. It's a story Fofana's mother does not believe. The police said that they had executed an arrest warrant, in conjunction with the Essex County Sheriffs Emergency Response Team and the Irvington Police, at Butler's home, but didn't find him there. The NJ DEP said kids and those with lung issues should stay inside. Altariq A. The victim, who was not identified, is believed to be in his early 20s, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office. During the investigation, it was revealed that these three males were seen fleeing from Honda Accord after the shooting. West Hollywood, CA 90069. pic.twitter.com/nB5DQgogOo, MN Safety (@SafetyAlertsMN) June 13, 2022. Police had announced last week that they were looking for Butler, but that they had impounded his car. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 7/1/2023). Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Gov. "Sometimes people see like an intentional homicide as maybe a top count, but the prosecutor may have some other evidence or some other information that makes them concerned that perhaps they wouldn't be able to get a conviction on the top count," said Jamie Pukl-Werbel, a law professor at Seton Hall University. It was obviously involved in an accident with another vehicle and no longer operational. My family felt a great sense of relief this afternoon upon learning of the arrest in the shooting death of our beloved son, Moussa Fofana, said his mother through a spokeswoman for the family. Detectives will continue canvassing the area for witnesses and video. Please contact DLt. Summer Workshops for High School Students, Coyote Attack Reported At South Mountain Reservation In Essex County, Experience NJs History At These July 4 Events, Student Loan Forgiveness Struck Down For NJ Borrowers. A police officer answered. Moussa was a fixture at the complex, which is several blocks from the high school. NJ community outraged over plea deal in high schooler's shooting death, in the shooting death of a high school student that rocked a New Jersey community, steps from where he spent long days and nights building his soccer career, Columbia High School student Moussa Fofana laid to rest as search continues for his killer: 'Who did it and why? Responding police officers soon found Moussa Fofana, 18, of Maplewood, who had been shot at least once, and a 17-year-old boy whose name was not released. Maplewood Memorial Library 16 Libraries By MoriAbi We are at the library weekly with our kids. The gun has not been recovered, but the Maplewood police found and impounded Butler's car a few blocks from his home in Irvington, they said. The shooting death happened hours after a man was found shot to death at a creek in New Jersey this weekend, according to authorities. State environmental officials are working to get several property owners to clean up their acts around New Jersey, including in Middlesex, Mercer and Atlantic Counties. He further advised officers that he followed them to determine what was happening. Crime & Public Safety | The police said that they had executed an arrest warrant, in conjunction with the Essex County Sheriffs Emergency Response Team and the Irvington Police, at Butler's home, but didn't find him there. "The Maplewood Police Department works hard to protect the residents and their property. . "We offer our sincere condolences to the family in their time of need.". Schedule. Police determined that the man had been involved in an altercation with another man inside an apartment on Jacoby Street. Sign up with your zip code here and you'll get an email asking for your preferences. At that point, officers converged on the area and detained the males. There will be an increased Police presence in the area. Moussa, 18, was dead. Police determined that the man had been involved in an altercation with another man inside an apartment on Jacoby Street. Village Green will continue to follow this story. Hernandez is charged with murder, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, but prosecutors say the suspect told cops he fired the gun to defend his younger brother from Moussa. Michelle Wade Byrd and Stacey Rice, Casting Director. Anyone with information should call detectives at 973-761-7913 or email MPALMEREZZI@TWP.MAPLEWOOD.NJ.US. During the altercation, police say, a .380 caliber handgun was fired in the apartment, but no one was struck. Moussa was born in New York and then lived in New Jersey for several years. Police said that around 9:55 a.m. Wednesday, a person called them to report that a man who had possibly been shot was outside near Hughes and Jacoby streets in Maplewood. Summer Workshops for High School Students, Coyote Attack Reported At South Mountain Reservation In Essex County, Experience NJs History At These July 4 Events, Student Loan Forgiveness Struck Down For NJ Borrowers. Police found the man with a laceration, but not a gunshot injury or other life-threatening injuries. The Maplewood teenager was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:24 p.m. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The second student, also male, sustained a wound that was not considered life-threatening, officials said. He's been a reporter covering communities since 2007. Fofana was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later, while the wounded teen was treated at a hospital for injuries that are not considered life-threatening. Production Tools Regulations Financial Incentives Film Ready NJ About NJ Production In NJ Opportunities About The Commission. No other persons or the public was at risk. We are asking for the public's assistance in helping us to locate Mr. Butler. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Come Visit. This is a breaking story. 9229 Sunset Blvd, #215. It is believed that they were being followed for some time prior to the shooting incident. The victim, who has been identified as Moussa Fofana, age 18, of Maplewood, was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:24 pm. As a result of the investigation, a Warrant was issued for the arrest of Cranford Butler (67yoa) of Irvington, NJ. It has a wonderful kids room along with a room dedicated to teens. the Essex County judge not to allow 20-year-old Yohan Hernandez to plead guilty to lesser prison time in a fatal 2021 shooting in Maplewood - a crime that shocked . Officers were assisted by the Essex County Sheriff Department who responded to the area of Tiffany Place with a K9 dog trained to search for weapons in the area with negative results. The gun has still not been recovered, DeVaul said. It then went west on Interstate 694 and south on Silver Lake Road and crashed into a utility pole at Stinson Boulevard and Cottage Lane, coming to a stop in front of a townhouse. Police say they are looking for Cranford Butler of Irvington, who "remains at large and should be considered armed and dangerous" but that they have impounded his car. Three men allegedly did a drive-by shooting in this stolen Dodge Charger in Maplewood and then fled police before crashing in St. Anthony on June 13, 2022. The involved parties are known to each other. A 20-year-old Newark man was arrested and charged with murder in the June fatal shooting of Moussa Fofana, an 18-year-old high school student in Maplewood, authorities said. De-Stress & Express Yourself with a Free Online Art Workshop! The defendant in this case, 20-year-old Yohan Hernandez is expected to plead guilty next week in exchange for 15 years in prison. Cranford Butler has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (handgun), possession of a handgun without a permit, possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, and theft of the victim's property, DeVaul said. Keep In Touch. The Essex County prosecutor said, in part, "We have been mindful of the importance of keeping the family, through their counsel, informed of all important aspects of this case and have afforded them their right to offer meaningful input that we have considered in formulating the proposed plea. 35/South Concourse in Neptune Twp. "His story is that Moussa took a swing at him and he retaliated by shooting him dead. Hundreds rallied to support Hawa Fofana, the mother of 18-year-old Moussa Fofana, who was killed in Maplewood, NJ, on June 6, 2021. It was found parked on the street a few blocks from his home in Irvington. Early Summer. The department this week stresses that residents remember to lock their car doors and remove keyfobs. As CBS2's Lisa Rozner reported, many gathered in Maplewood on Thursday for a protest. They also canceled a retiree celebration scheduled for Monday evening. However, one of the males agreed to speak with officers, but only provided limited information. Letrell Duncan, a 16-year-old basketball standout, walked out of his New Jersey high school with friends on Monday afternoon and was approached a few blocks away by . Phil Murphy said after the shooting during a press conference. Sign up with your zip code here and you'll get an email asking for your preferences. In 2019, the owner of a popular New York City comedy club and a nanny who cared for his two children were killed in his Maplewood home. It was like they put cold water over my whole body, she said. There is no reason to believe any further danger exists in regard to this incident. ", He added, "Mr. Butler will be transported to the Essex County Correctional Faculty later this afternoon.". "I was shocked." Adding to the shock was the crime's setting: near the New Jersey. Possession of a handgun without a permit It must be noted that officers attempted to ascertain further, but the shooting victims did not wish to discuss this incident with officers. 574 Valley St., Maplewood Township, NJ 07040. Police found the man with a laceration, but not a gunshot injury or other life-threatening injuries. Another had a 50round drum magazine. Check links below for current local conditions. Get FREE breaking news alerts in Maplewood or your town, or a daily 6 a.m. newsletter with local news. After striking a deal with prosecutors, Yohan Hernandez, of Newark, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Moussa Fofana, a student at Columbia High . The shooting occurred around 9:30 p.m. Sunday at Columbia High School in Maplewood, according to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office. Around Maplewood: Pride + Juneteenth + Tax Cuts + Dead Fish Mystery, Experience NJs History At These July 4 Events. Her son was later charged in the killing. MAPLEWOOD, New Jersey (WABC) -- A community is in mourning Monday after a New Jersey high school student was killed and another injured in a shooting Sunday night. He never gave problems to anybody., Moussa was killed near the Maplewood soccer field where he played for Columbia High School. Last year, 18-year-old Moussa Fofana was fatally shot in a sports complex, steps from where he spent long days and nights building his soccer career. (Courtesy of Dominick Ferraro) We ask for cooperation from the public to provide whatever information or assistance they can provide. It was the third possible death reportedly involving weekend New Jersey gun violence that prompted a search for suspects. Immediately thereafter, emergency medical services responded to the scene and transported the males to Rutgers University hospital along with MPD Officers. He did not provide a statement or provide information related to the handgun involved to detectives on the advice of legal counsel. I was shocked.. He was always so sweet, a friend said. The handgun has not been recovered at this time. She said she had seen him earlier on Sunday and later learned of his death online. 1/ How fast is this car going?? He was pronounced dead at the scene. Crime & Public Safety | By Lisa Rozner September 15, 2022 / 5:31 PM / CBS New York MAPLEWOOD, N.J. -- There is outrage over a plea deal that has been reached in the shooting death of a high school student that. Yohan Hernandez, 20, of Newark, was charged in the murder of Moussa Fofana, a Maplewood high-schooler.courtesy of the Essex County Prosecutor's Office. Gov. DeVaul said that there will be an increased Police presence in the area following the incident. Possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose She said that she had sent him to live with his grandmother in Monrovia, Liberias capital, when he was 5 and that he had moved back to this country six years later. 2 talking about this. July 4th Traffic: When Is The Best Time To Get Out Of NJ Metros? "The involved parties are known to each other. Last Updated: 05/02/23. Fred Profeta, the former mayor of Maplewood, organized the rally Thursday in the hope of pressuring the prosecutor to go to trial. Yohan Hernandez, 20, of Newark, was arrested Thursday and was also charged with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens and Maplewood Police Chief Jimmy DeVaul announced Friday. The injuries were determined to be non-life threatening. $50,000 reward for information on the case. Free Online Journaling Workshop with Hospital for Special Surgery! Three males were transported to Rutgers University Hospital with apparent gunshot wounds after reports of shots fired in the area of Tiffany Place in Maplewood on Saturday afternoon, March 12, shortly before 4 p.m. Maplewood Police Chief Jim DeVaul reports that police found the injured males after responding to calls reporting gunshots in the area and are continuing to investigate the incident. FLASHBACK:New Jersey community calls for justice in Shooting death of 18-Year-Old Moussa Fofana. Rozner has been told prosecutors made the deal partly because Hernandez claimed he was acting in self-defense. A Minnesota State Patrol trooper saw the Charger on White Bear Avenue and followed with emergency lights and sirens. The incident was determined to be domestic in nature. Police officers found Moussa with a gunshot wound shortly before 10 p.m. Sunday near the sports complex after responding to reports of gunfire in the area, according to a statement from Maplewoods police chief, Jimmy DeVaul, and Theodore N. Stephens II, the acting Essex County prosecutor. Free Online Journaling Workshop with Hospital for Special Surgery! Jersey City. CONTACT US. Phil Murphy in June also commented on the 18-year-olds death. The occupants are not from the area and did not know where they were at the time of the accident and subsequent shooting. / CBS New York. "Detectives are working relentlessly to find and arrest Mr. Butler," police said.