Aveon Perry
A city man was shot and killed late Wednesday night in the capital city's East Ward.
Aveon Perry, 28, was shot multiple times around 11:35 p.m. Police found him inside the Shell gas station in the 800 block of Greenwood Avenue. He was taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he later died.
Police sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said Perry was shot more than 12 times. Sources say Perry was initially shot outside of the store attached to the gas station, but then ran inside with the shooter in pursuit. The suspect then stood over Perry while he was on the floor in the store and shot him several more times, according to law enforcement sources.
"This is a hard pill to swallow. I'm in tears over this one. You will truly be missed," one woman wrote on Facebook in memory of Perry.
Social media posts indicate Perry recently celebrated his birthday.
"Wanna thank everyone for the bday love and support," he wrote on Facebook March 11. "I'm just happy to see another year with my loved ones."
After his death, friends and family flooded Perry's page with condolences.
"I don't use the word bro loosely," another woman wrote on the social media site. "It's only a select few I call my brothers who didn't come from my mother or father. Mr. Perry was def one of my brothers yo."
Police are also investigating a separate shooting in the North Ward that wounded two men hours before the murder. Detectives are working to determine whether there's any connection between the two incidents, Trenton Police spokesman Lt. Stephen Varn said.
A shooting on the 600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard injured two men, 21 and 22 years old, around 8:13 p.m., Varn said. The younger victim suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh and the second man was shot in the kneecap. They were taken to the hospital and treated.
North Ward Councilwoman Marge Caldwell-Wilson, who is up for re-election, took to Facebook to share her dismay with the latest bout of violence in the part of the city she represents.
"The Trenton community should be outraged," the councilwoman wrote. "A shooting took place as our kids in the North Ward were playing baseball last night. There needs to be more of a police presence at night, especially when there are community activities going on."
At-large candidate Elvin Montero released a statement condemning gun violence and extending condolences to the victims.
"Gun violence impacts our entire community by taking priceless lives, ripping families apart, and perpetuating a sense of fear throughout the city," he said. "We must be ready and willing to act to prevent these senseless acts of violence. We deserve a city that nurtures our children to grow and thrive, not one that is dismantled by fear and tragedy. We deserve a community of peace and prosperity."
No arrests have been made in connection with either shooting. The Mercer County Homicide Task Force is leading the investigation in Perry's slaying.
Anyone with information about the killing is asked to contact Sgt. Gary Wasko or Detective Kevin Searing at 609-989-6406.