Authorities said multiple gunmen fired into a crowd of about 100 people, while three survivors remained in critical condition.
TRENTON, N.J. — Two Trenton residents were killed and eight other people were wounded early Sunday when multiple gunmen opened fire on a crowded block party in the city’s Wilbur section, authorities said. Investigators recovered more than 50 spent shell casings from the residential block.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office identified those killed as Tyasiah West, 33, and Anthony Howlett, 42, both of Trenton. The shooting happened shortly after midnight Aug. 30 on the 100 block of Locust Street, where investigators said about 100 people had gathered. No arrests had been announced, and authorities had not publicly identified a motive or released descriptions of the suspected shooters.
Trenton police were dispatched to Locust Street at about 12:23 a.m. after reports of a shooting in progress. Officers found several adults with gunshot wounds, and victims were taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center by ambulance or private vehicles. In all, prosecutors said 10 people were shot. West and Howlett died from their injuries, while the eight surviving victims included two women and six men ranging in age from 23 to 43.
Four of the surviving victims had been treated and released by Monday, according to authorities. Three men, ages 23, 29 and 32, remained hospitalized in critical condition, while a 42-year-old woman remained hospitalized in stable condition. Authorities had not released the names of the wounded survivors. More recent reporting through Wednesday did not identify a new official update on their conditions.
Investigators said a preliminary review showed that multiple suspects approached the block party and began firing into the crowd. The crime scene stretched across the entire 100 block of Locust Street, where more than 50 spent shell casings were recovered. Several vehicles also were struck by gunfire. Detectives with the Mercer County Homicide Task Force have been reviewing surveillance footage and seeking witnesses who may have information about who fired the shots.
Early accounts differed on both the number of people shot and the size of the gathering. Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora initially said 11 people had been struck, including two who died. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office later reported a total of 10 shooting victims — two dead and eight wounded — which became the latest official casualty count. Prosecutors estimated about 100 people were at the block party, while Gusciora said the unauthorized gathering may have drawn 200 or more people.
The size of the gathering and the police response before the shooting have become part of the public discussion surrounding the case. Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson told 6abc that he believed a police unit was present when the gunfire broke out. Wilson said the crowd was larger than the available police presence. City officials later referred detailed questions about the response timeline to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, which is leading the homicide investigation.
Gusciora said the city plans to respond more aggressively to large gatherings that take over residential streets without authorization. In a statement after the shooting, the mayor said officials would examine earlier identification of such gatherings, coordination among law enforcement agencies and enforcement of existing ordinances. He also said community street teams would work in the Wilbur section to support residents, gather information and help reduce the risk of retaliation or additional violence.
Friends, relatives and community members have also begun remembering West and Howlett. West was described by friends as a mother whose personality brought happiness to people around her. Howlett was a father who had recently been recognized for efforts to rebuild his life after incarceration and contribute to the community. Family members told local media that he had focused heavily on providing a better future for his son. The mayor also highlighted Howlett’s efforts toward reentry and positive change in his initial statement after the shooting.
The killings have left residents and anti-violence workers confronting both the immediate loss and questions about how such a large gathering developed on the residential street. Community workers returned to the area after the shooting to speak with residents and support families. Some residents have called for more information about what police knew before the gunfire began, while city officials have said preventing similar unauthorized gatherings will become a greater enforcement priority.
As of Wednesday, authorities had announced no arrests and had not publicly identified the suspected gunmen or a motive. The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and Trenton Police Department continued reviewing evidence and seeking witnesses as the investigation into the deaths of West and Howlett remained active.
Author note: Last updated September 2, 2026.