Aug 5, 2007 7:59 pm US/Eastern
Early Sunday Shooting In Newark Leaves 3 Dead
By Dave Carlin, CBS 2 News
NEWARK (CBS) ―
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Four young people, including three active students at Delaware State University, were shot in the head at close range in a school parking lot, killing all but one.
CBS
There is a massive manhunt in Newark, N.J. for the cold-blooded killers who executed three people. The victims, who include two Delaware State University students were lined up against a wall and shot behind the Mt. Vernon School early Sunday.
Police say the four friends were just listening to music outside Mt. Vernon School when they were apparently chosen by the killer or killers at random. They were shot in the head execution style.
"We were told each were lined up," said Beverly Reid, the great aunt of two of the victims. "Oh its unbearable just the thought."
Reid is related to two of the victims but knows all four. Ofemi Hightower, Deshawn Harvey and Terrance Aeriel were shot and killed execution style. Shot and injured is Terrance's sister: 19-year-old Natasha Aeriel.
Their great aunt calls them TJ and Tasha, and says all four kids were bright, friendly and did not go looking for trouble.
"They were in school, in college they were doing really well," Reid said. "They were fulfilling their dreams and just starting their lives."
Digg This Story!Terrance and Natahsa Aeriel's mother met with CBS 2, but was too overwhelmed by her grief to make a statement on camera. The family's focus is on Natasha, who survived the bullet entering her ear and lodging in her sinuses.
"It hurts I've seen many tragedies this is the worst I've seen in my 54 years as a preacher and a pastor," said Newark Police Chaplain John McClain, and uncle of Ofemi Hightower.
"She had no enemies. She was a sweetheart," added Hightower's brother Jamar Hightower. "She got along with everybody."
Natasha Ariel is biology major at Delaware State University. She must go on without her brother who was also there as a freshman. Harvey and Natasha Aeriel played in the University's marching band together.
Hightower was Natasha Aeriel's best friend, and planned to enroll at Delaware State University. She stayed in Newark and worked at a nursing home. Family members say they heard the four friends went to a party. Exactly how they wound up at the school and in a confrontation is unclear.
The chorus of community outrage getting louder and more intense.
"The only thing I can think of is mandatory curfew, because nothing else works," said Reid.
Politicians and law enforcement officials admit they don't have any answers that will satisfy the many devastated families who want more action.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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