2016: Trenton’s homicides by the numbers

A man was shot and killed on Edgewood Avenue. November 15, 2016 (Penny Ray - Trentonian)

A man was shot and killed on Edgewood Avenue. November 15, 2016 (Penny Ray - Trentonian)

The capital city experienced 24 homicides in 2016, which includes the deaths of Edwardo Martinez and Vincent Miller, whom both were killed by hit-and-run drivers. That number also includes the death of Alfred Toe who was shot and killed while trying to wrestle a handgun away from an off-duty police officer. Read more

Mercer County officials discuss Mental Health Court to curb violence

Two men were murdered in the parking lot of this gas station. Sept. 11, 2016 (Penny Ray - Trentonian)

Two men were murdered in the parking lot of this gas station. Sept. 11, 2016 (Penny Ray - Trentonian)

Shortly after 3 a.m. on September 11, a Trenton cop left the corner of Greenwood Avenue and Chambers Street; moments later two men were murdered in the Shell gas station parking lot.

“I wonder what we could have done differently in that particular circumstance,” Police Director Ernest Parrey Jr. said. “I had a supervisor in a vehicle sitting there. He left to respond to a call. Other than having someone posted on every single corner, what more can you possibly do?” Read more

Trenton police plan ceasefire program to decrease gun violence

At a Trenton Stop the Violence rally in April, several people spoke about the need for parents to teach kids respect for themselves and others. (Penny Ray - Trentonian)

At a Trenton Stop the Violence rally in April, several people spoke about the need for parents to teach kids respect for themselves and others. (Penny Ray - Trentonian)

With retaliatory violence being a never-ending cycle in the capital city, law enforcement officials are planning to organize a ceasefire program similar to the crime intervention efforts used in cities such as Chicago, New York and Los Angeles.

With three weeks left in 2016, there has been a 40 percent increase in the number of shootings year-to-date compared to this same time period last year. Officials say there have been 147 shootings in this 8-square-mile city this year, and 178 people were struck by gunfire. Read more