Princeton High Student Shot in Trenton

Candace Braun

A 17-year-old Princeton High School student was shot in the back outside a deli at the corner of Hoffman Avenue and Oakland Street in Trenton on Sunday. The teen, whose name has been withheld by police because he is a minor, was rushed to the Capital Health System at Fuld hospital, then later transferred to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. His condition is unknown.

A Borough resident and member of the PHS basketball team, the minor was said to be friends with the second victim, 18-year-old John Hayes of Trenton. Mr. Hayes, a former PHS student, was not injured in the shooting.

The incident, reported to have taken place at 8:24 a.m., was responded to by Trenton Police. When they arrived at the scene they found the victim, a black male, face down in the intersection by the Oakland Street Deli.

Police learned from Mr. Hayes that the victims were coming out of the deli when a group of approximately ten black males approached them about some sort of "break in," of which the victims were unaware. At this time gun shots were heard, after which the group of males fled the scene.

PHS Principal Gary Snyder said he knew the victim, but would not comment on him personally.

"Obviously, as a school community we're concerned," he said. "We wish him the best with his recovery."

Lynn O'Grady, director of guidance at the high school, said the department is "doing plenty" to offer support to students, but declined to comment further.

Interim Superintendent Richard Marasco did not return calls made by Town Topics before press time.

In September, a similar incident occurred when Jean Mario Israel, 19, was shot in Trenton. A former PHS student, Mr. Israel was said to have been a member of the Bloods gang. Later reports said that Arturo "Yukon" McKnight, 21, a resident of Trenton and a Crips gang member, was arrested in connection with the murder.

Preliminary investigations have not yet found evidence that this juvenile victim was a member of any gang, said Sgt. Pedro Medina of the Trenton Police.

The incident is under investigation and the Trenton Police are urging anyone with any additional information to contact Detective Robert Mathes at (609) 989-4181, or call the confidential tip line at (609) 989-3663.