New York

Teenage Girl Shot During Vigil in Newark Dies After Spending Days on Life Support, Prosecutors Say

A $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest

What to Know

  • The 16-year-old girl who was shot in the head while attending a vigil for two teenage boys killed in a stolen car crash in Newark has died
  • Jayla Green died Thursday after spending days on life support, prosecutors said
  • Three others were shot at the vigil and were expected to survive; no arrests have been made

The 16-year-old girl shot at a candlelight vigil for two teenage car crash victims in Newark over the weekend has died, prosecutors say. 

Jayla Green died Thursday after days on life support. She had been shot in the head while lighting candles at a makeshift memorial near Bergen Street and Madison Avenue Saturday night, police said. The memorial was for two teenage boys who died in a crash involving a stolen SUV last Friday.

Three other women and girls ranging in ages from 16 to 20 were each shot in the leg, police said, and were taken to the hospital in stable condition. 

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka called the shooting "a cowardly act of hatred that pierced the hearts of all in our community." He added that the city is "aggressively investigating this senseless act of violence."

Family members described Green as a cheerleader who loved music and fashion. 

No arrests have been made. 

Crime Stoppers offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the shooter or shooters, Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Newark Department of Public Safety's tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS.

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