Second arrest made in homicide of Carl Batie

TRENTON — A second man connected to the homicide of a Mercer County Corrections officer has been made.

According to reports, Hykeem Tucker, 26, was arrested in connection with the Nov. 11 shooting death of Carl Batie.

Tucker was arrested in the morning of Jan. 24 by U.S. Marshals. It is unclear what role Tucker played in the slaying.

Hykeem Tucker (Trenton Police Photo)

Batie was a bystander on the balcony at Baldassari Regency on Morris Avenue in the city’s Chambersburg section when he was struck in the head by a bullet and killed.

Maurice Skillman, 26, had been arrested in December 2012 for allegedly firing the gun that killed Batie. It was alleged that Skillman fired 20 shots at the second floor balcony, Batie was the only person struck.

In December, First Assistant Prosecutor Angelo Onofri said the motive in the shooting was gang related and that Batie was not the target.

Tucker was charged with murder and weapons offenses and is being held on $1 million cash or bond. Maurice Skillman is also being held on $1 million cash or bond, his attorney sought a bail reduction in early January.

Skillman’s attorney claimed there may be witnesses to the shooting who could exonerate his client. Prosecutors objected citing strong evidence linking Skillman to the shooting.

Skillman was charged with murder, possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. He will face 30 years to life in prison if he’s convicted.

In November, Shaquel Rock, 19, was arrested and charged with terroristic threats and had an outstanding warrant. Rock allegedly threatened an off-duty police officer working at Baldassari’s the night of Batie’s murder.

No murder charges have been filed against Rock and police are still investigating if the two events are related.

Police continue to investigate Batie’s murder and ask that anyone having information please call Trenton Police at (609) 989-4170. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call the Confidential Tip Line at (609) 989-3663.

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