A 16-year-old Jersey City boy has been arrested in the double-shooting last week that left a 15-year-old high school freshman dead and her relative wounded, authorities said.
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez did not release any details of the Jan. 18 shootings that a family friend said occurred while the victims were in a vehicle after returning from a family celebration.
Cianna Lee, a student at Lincoln High School, and a 37-year-old female relative were parked on Oak Street, near Martin Luther King Drive, at approximately 11 p.m. when they were shot.
Lee was taken to Jersey City Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead shortly after 1:20 a.m. Jan. 19. The Regional Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be gunshot wound.
Lee, described as “vibrant and loving,” was born in Jamaica and moved to the United States less than a year ago to be with her father and to pursue greater opportunities.
The 37-year-old woman was also taken to Jersey City Medical Center and treated for a gunshot wound.
The 16-year-old assailant was arrested Thursday by members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office’s Homicide Unit.
He is charged as a juvenile with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and second degree unlawful possession of a weapon.
The prosecutor’s office would not say if the assailant knew the victims or provide a motive for the shootings. It could not be determined if the prosecutor’s office would attempt to have the 16-year-old tried as an adult.
The prosecutor’s office noted that juvenile matters are confidential and no additional information can be released at this time.
Suarez credited the Homicide Unit and the Jersey City Police Department with the investigation and arrest.
A GoFundMe campaign for Lee’s family has raised more than $14,000 as of Friday afternoon. Also, a memorial event at has been planned at Lincoln High School Friday afternoon.