Newark, New Jersey — In a tragic turn of events on May 3, 2023, at around 8:34 p.m., Newark Police Officers rushed to a 911 call reporting a shooting incident inside a residence on Johnson Avenue in Newark. The unfolding events took a dark turn, leading to the loss of lives and a high-stakes confrontation.
The investigation that followed the 911 call painted a distressing picture. Responding officers encountered a man leaving the residence where two individuals had been shot. This man, later identified as 29-year-old Everett Rand, was observed discarding an item into a nearby dumpster. Later in the evening, a semi-automatic handgun with a large capacity magazine was discovered in the dumpster, a key piece of evidence in the unfolding tragedy.
As multiple officers pursued Rand on foot, others gained entry to the home on Johnson Avenue. The pursuit ended on the sidewalk when two Newark Police Department officers, Officer Steven Ferreira and Officer Ryan Castro, discharged their firearms at Rand, fatally wounding him. A handgun, not belonging to law enforcement, was found near Rand. Inside the residence, officers discovered a 27-year-old man from Newark dead from a gunshot wound and an 8-year-old boy who succumbed to his injuries. The child was rushed to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The incident sent shockwaves through the community and has raised questions about police response protocols and the overall safety of the neighborhood.
Community Outcry and Questions
The community is grappling with the aftermath of the incident, with many questioning the police response and the circumstances that led to the tragic deaths. Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic scene, with concerns raised about the safety of residents and the use of lethal force.
While the investigation is ongoing, community leaders are urging transparency and accountability in the process. The incident has prompted discussions about police training, mental health interventions, and community engagement to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Video Footage Raises Concerns
The incident was captured on body cameras worn by responding officers. The footage, released to the public, is raising questions about the sequence of events and the decision to use lethal force. Timestamps in the video indicate crucial moments, including Officer #1, Officer #2, and Officer #3's perspectives. The footage is a critical piece of evidence as the investigation continues.