BRIDGETON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey State Police have arrested one man in connection with a mass shooting over the weekend that killed two people and injured 12 others. Authorities are still looking for more information.
Kevin K. Dawkins, 36, of Bridgeton was arrested Monday on gun charges in connection with a mass shooting at a birthday party in Fairfield Township, Cumberland County, late Saturday night.
State police say several guns were found at the scene. There is no indication yet if Dawkins is the shooter or if he is connected to the shooter or shooters.
Authorities have also named the two people who died in the shooting: Kevin Elliot, 30, and Asia Hester, 25, both of Bridgeton. None of the 12 wounded have been identified, but they range in age from 19 to 35. At least one of them is in critical condition.
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Gov. Phil Murphy, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, and Col. Patrick J. Callahan of the New Jersey State Police were among the officials gathered for a press briefing outside the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office.
"This was not a random act of violence," Grewal said. "This was a targeted attack."
Now investigators have several questions yet to answer: Who fired the guns? Why did they do it? Who was targeted?
Two cousins who live in the area of the shooting said they heard music from the party until after midnight, then a series of shots — at least 15 of them over a few minutes.
Joeron Pierce and James Pierce, who live in homes next to each other, said that there was chaos after that. Partygoers ran through their yards and asked to come into their houses. They said cars ran into one other trying to speed away.
John Fuqua says some of his family members were there. One of them in particular, he said, had a horrifying experience.
"My nephew was able to escape. Scrapes and cuts on his hands, and he's stepping over dead bodies. Come to find out that the body is the body of a young man he grew up with," Fuqua said.
In the aftermath of the shooting, white tents were torn down on the lawn, tables were overturned, and debris was scattered all over the grass.
Murphy spoke Monday morning of the horrific circumstances of what was supposed to be a celebration.
"This was a birthday party. A birthday party is supposed to be a joyous event, not a target for those hellbent on inflicting harm on a community," the governor said.
Fairfield Township Mayor Benjamin Byrd says this incident affects everyone in town.
"It's very tragic and devastating for our whole community," Byrd said. "Situations like this make you realize how tight-knit your community is. And all of us are connected."
There is still a lot of evidence to sort through, witnesses to interview, and search warrants to execute, according to officials.
Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae says investigators want to hear from as many of the party guests as possible. She urged them to come forward — "anyone who may have taken pictures or video; anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity after the shooting," she said.
"While we mourn for those affected. We remind the community that we need their help for bringing those responsible to justice."