FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP, N.J. (WCBS 880) – New Jersey state officials at a press briefing on Monday announced the arrest of man in connection with a shooting at a house party where twelve people were injured and two killed over the weekend.
Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae identified the suspect as 36-year-old Kevin Dawkins.
NJSP Colonel Pat Callahan said Dawkins was arrested and charged on Sunday, noting that more arrests are expected as officials continue with the investigation.
Attorney General Gurbir Grewal on Monday identified the victims as Kevin Elliot, 30, and Asia Hester, 25, adding that the shooting was a "targeted act" and not a random act of violence.
The shooting happened at a house on East Commerce Street in Fairfield Township, about an hour outside of Philadelphia in Cumberland County, shortly before midnight, police said.
Hundreds of people were said to be at the 90s-themed party, where guests ranged from teenagers to senior citizens. Photos show overturned pop-up party tents, tables and chairs, and debris throughout the home's yard.
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.
No arrests have been reported.
Gov. Phil Murphy responded to the shooting in a statement, saying in part, "This despicable and cowardly act of gun violence only steels our commitment to ensuring New Jersey leads the nation in passing and enforcing strong and commonsense gun safety laws. No community should ever experience what occurred last night in Fairfield."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Jersey State Police Bridgeton Station at 856-451-0101 or submit a tip via the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office tip website at www.njccpo.org/tips.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.