Crime
44-year-old Rahman Loyal killed after shooting near West Side Park in Newark
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a thorough investigation into a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a Newark resident on Saturday evening, near West Side Park.
Authorities report that around 7:00 p.m., residents in the 600 block of South 13th Street called 911 after hearing a series of gunshots near their homes, located across from the park.
Newark police officers responded promptly to the scene, where they discovered 44-year-old Rahman Loyal, a Newark resident, lying lifeless with multiple gunshot wounds.
Preliminary findings suggest that the shooter fired several rounds before quickly fleeing the scene.
The immediate area was cordoned off as detectives conducted a meticulous search for evidence, carefully examining the scene and speaking with any witnesses who may have observed the incident or have relevant information.
At this stage, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no arrests have been made.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is actively pursuing leads and working to identify the person responsible.
Authorities are urging anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward.
The Prosecutor’s Office emphasizes that all information will be handled with discretion as they work to bring justice in this ongoing case.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA โ A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple Universityโs campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple Universityโs Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
โThe loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victimโs family and loved ones.โ
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victimโs last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individualโs involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.