Aug 7, 2007 6:55 pm US/Eastern
Newark Executions: Bloods Gang Symbol Found
Sources Tell CBS 2 Gang Insignia Spray Painted Near Scene
by Tamsen Fadal
NEWARK (CBS) ―
While police continue to await the recovery of the sole survivor of Saturday night's execution-style shootings outside of a Newark elementary school, they've released new information that indicate the incident that left three college students dead could be gang related.
Natasha Aeriel, 19, and her 18-year-old brother Terrance, along with their friends, 20-year-old friend Iofemi Hightower and 20-year-old Deshawn Harvey were all forced to kneel by a wall behind Mount Vernon School where they were each shot in the head.
All four were students at Delaware State University and had never been involved in a crime before.
Ms. Aerial was the only survivor and relatives say though her condition continues to improve, she remains under their watchful eye as they're still concerned for her safety.
"It's a miracle for her, a miracle she'll pull through. She will through the prayers around her that will lift her up," said her cousin, Daryl Tillman.
As police continue to search for suspects in the murder that they initially labeled as random, sources tell CBS 2 HD that a gang tag with the word "PIRU" was found spray painted at the crime scene. PIRU is believed to be a sect of the notorious Bloods gang.
Police won't confirm if the shootings were gang related, though they indicated they're confident they'll catch the killers.
"There is no doubt in my mind this crime will be solved," Newark Det. Tyrone Singleterry said.
Police are also investigating the text messages the friends sent each other just seconds before being shot. They apparently had sensed trouble in the schoolyard, where they had come simply to listen music together.
The exact text messages are not being released, but officials say that it appears the students did not die without a struggle.
The text messages also indicate that the four victims did not know their attackers.
A $52,000 reward is being offered for information that could solve this case.
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