Brandyn Waters Obituary, Death – An 18-year-old man was killed and four others were injured in a shooting that occurred late Monday night on a street in Newark, New Jersey, police said. The victim who died has been identified as Brandyn Waters, a resident of Paterson, according to a report from WABC. The four surviving victims—all men—include two 19-year-olds, a 24-year-old, and a 26-year-old. Authorities have not released their names or provided updates on their current conditions.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is leading the investigation into the incident. So far, no suspects have been arrested or publicly named.
Police responded to reports of gunfire at the intersection of 6th Avenue West and North 13th Street at approximately 11:40 p.m., according to RLS Media. When officers arrived, they encountered a chaotic scene. The five victims were found lying on the ground with gunshot wounds, surrounded by a large and disorderly crowd.
Waters had been shot in the chest and was taken to University Hospital in Newark, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The other four victims were transported to medical facilities with serious injuries, but authorities have not disclosed whether their conditions have improved.
Witnesses reported hearing a large number of gunshots being fired randomly. Bullets also struck several parked cars and nearby buildings, contributing to the widespread panic in the area. Police have not said whether the victims were targeted or caught in crossfire, and the motive behind the shooting remains unknown.
This deadly incident is part of a troubling pattern of violence in Newark during June. Just last week, two women were struck by bullets while sitting inside their home. Authorities believe they were unintentionally hit by stray gunfire. Earlier this month, on June 11, another shooting left one man dead and a second man injured in a separate part of the city.
The latest shooting in Newark also reflects a broader national trend of rising gun violence. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have already been over 170 mass shootings in the United States in 2025. The Archive defines a mass shooting as an incident where four or more people are shot, regardless of whether any are killed.
The Newark community is now grappling with the aftermath of yet another violent episode, and city leaders are facing growing pressure to address public safety concerns. Police have not announced whether they have recovered any weapons or obtained surveillance footage from the area.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward and assist in the investigation. Tips can help investigators identify those responsible and bring justice to the victims and their families.
As the investigation continues, residents of Newark are left mourning yet another loss of young life and seeking solutions to the ongoing gun violence crisis.
