The Trenton Police Department and the Mercer County Homicide Task Force are investigating the death of a man who suffered a gunshot wound to the chest on Whittaker Avenue in Trenton shortly before midnight on Aug. 23.
Trenton police officers responded to the 600 block of Whittaker Avenue at 11:38 p.m. on Aug. 23 to investigate reports of a Hispanic man who was shot in the chest, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
The officers found the 29-year-old man, who was unresponsive, and provided CPR to him. He was taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin, the Prosecutor’s Office said.
Meanwhile, Mayor Reed Gusciora said the death of the man, who was originally from Guatemala, marks the sixth homicide in the City of Trenton so far this year.
The man was walking home along Whittaker Avenue with two other people when he was approached by two men and shot to death, Gusciora said.
The mayor said he has asked the Trenton Police Department to step up its presence and patrols in the area to protect residents and prevent further acts of violence.
Gusciora said he visited with the victim’s family and offered prayers and support to them. He also directed the City of Trenton’s social services team to provide assistance to the family.
“To our community, and especially to the members of the Guatemalan and Latino communities in Trenton, I want to say something very clearly. You are part of this city (and) you deserve to feel safe walking our streets, returning home from work and going about your daily lives,” he said.
“Violence against any member of our community is unacceptable. I ask all of our residents to remain aware of their surroundings and to immediately report suspicious activity by calling 911,” he said.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Zachary Ortman of the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at 609-273-2351. Tips can be submitted anonymously online at www.mercercountyprosecutor.com.
