Aug 7, 2007 7:35 am US/Eastern
Newark Executions: Text Messages Offer New Details
Cops: Murders Could Have Been Robbery
by Tamsen Fadal
NEWARK (CBS) ―
Disturbing new details are emerging about the final moments in the lives of the victims shot and killed execution-style in Newark this weekend.
Officials say the three murders could have been the result of a robbery. This is the latest thinking after several text messages were sent back and forth between the friends just before they were shot execution-style.
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.
The students were all lined up and shot at close range on Sunday.
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 the playground behind Mount Vernon School where they were each shot in the head.
Natasha Aerial is the sole survivor of the attack and is recovering at University Hospital.
The community is calling for justice in this case and an end to senseless violence in Newark.
The murders of these bright young people ignited tense fallout -- fear, sadness and outrage.
A mother of one of the victims had a message for Newark Mayor Cory Booker.
"Do something. I am grieving, but I'm angry at the same time. I want him to do something," said Shalga Hightower.
But the father of slain student Deshawn Harvey insists Mayor Booker stay in office and help solve this continuing problem.
"I blame you guys -- the parents of America. If you raised your kids better this world would be a better place to live," James Harvey said.
Booker said, "We're doing everything possible to capture these individuals involved."
At Delaware State University where the three were standout students, the campus is in mourning.
"These were really good young people who had great futures. We have experienced a great loss -- not only Delaware State University but their families, and I would just say the planet." one student said.
Police are searching for suspects and a $52,000 reward being offered for information that could solve this case.
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