North Essex News

East Orange, NJ: It has been one week since the passing of 18-year-old Nicholas Edwards, a recent East Orange Campus High School graduate, who succumbed to gunshot injuries he sustained after being shot while driving down Ashland Street on Monday, July 3, 2023.  

Since then, Mayor Ted R. Green and the East Orange City Council have been in touch with the Edwards family to extend condolences and assistance during this time of grief. 

There have been no arrests made thus far and the Essex County Sheriff's Crime Stoppers Program is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for any information that leads to the whereabouts of the person or persons responsible for Nicholas’ tragic death. The community is urged to come forward with any relevant details that may aid in the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the confidential tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. 

Below is a joint statement from Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council, and Chairman Christopher Awe:

“Last Monday, July 3, 2023, 18-year-old Nicholas Edwards, an East Orange resident and recent graduate of East Orange Campus High School, was the tragic victim of gun violence. His unfortunate passing weighs heavy on the hearts of all of us.

Nicholas’ death has been devastating for our community, and on behalf of the City of East Orange and the East Orange City Council, we offer our deepest condolences to his family, teachers and friends during this difficult time. Nicholas had overcome many challenges and academic hardship to later be celebrated by administrators, guidance counselors and staff during his last year of high school. His untimely passing is a devastating reminder of the rampant and senseless gun violence among our youth. 

As local and county law enforcement aggressively pursue justice for Nicholas and his family, we ask that his death not be in vain. Disturbing moments like this cause us to reflect on what we can do to help our youth circumvent gun violence. Through a variety of programs such as our Summer Work Experience Program, the Peer Mental Health Ambassador Program, the At-Risk Youth Training Program and Open Gym, East Orange has made great strides in providing alternate enrichment opportunities for success for our young people. But there is still so much more to do.

Mayor Green and the East Orange City Council pledge to continue to work with our residents and stakeholders to devise ways to combat this epidemic of violence that plagues our black and brown communities. As we collectively mourn the loss of our native son, let us remember that the spirit of our city cannot, and will not, be broken.”

Original source can be found here.