An 11-year-old girl was shot in the hand while in the parking lot of an Irvington grocery story on Tuesday night. According to authorities, the child was shopping with her mother inside the store when an argument erupted between the girl’s mother and a store employee.
Police believe that the argument escalated and spilled out into the parking lot. They reported that four shots were fired, and another person was shot in the elbow. Police believe that the second shooting victim was not involved in the dispute, and was not an employee of the store. Both victims were taken to the hospital for treatment of their wounds. Both gunshot wounds reportedly were non-life threatening injuries.
Gun crimes in New Jersey are treated very seriously by police, prosecutors and judges. A person accused in a gun crime could face enhanced penalties because of the use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime. Because of the severe consequences involved, it is critical to have an attorney who is not only experienced in handling these cases, but also has experience investigating gun crimes. After all, being able to prove whether the accused had a weapon (or fired it) could mean the difference between guilt and innocence.
Police currently do not have anyone in custody for the Irvington shooting. Their investigation is continuing, but no suspects have been publicly named. In the meantime, those who are under investigation for gun crimes (or have been arrested) should contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer to learn about their rights and options.
Source: NJ.com, “Irvington Pathmark shooting: Child shot after mother argued with employee,” James Queally, November 5, 2013