Crime
Waterbury Brass Mill Center Shooting Suspect Identified as 19-Year-Old Tajuan Washington
WATERBURY, Conn. – Authorities have identified the suspect involved in Tuesday’s shooting at the Brass Mill Center as 19-year-old Tajuan Washington, who was already out on bond in connection with a previous criminal case at the time of the incident.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Waterbury Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. confirmed that Washington is accused of opening fire inside the shopping mall, injuring five individuals.
The shooting, officials emphasized, was not a random act of violence, but instead stemmed from an ongoing conflict between Washington and another male individual with whom he had a prior dispute.
“This was a targeted confrontation between individuals with a history of issues,” Mayor Pernerewski stated. “It was a one-off incident. The public should know that the mall is secure and safe for business.”
According to Waterbury Police Chief Fred Spagnolo, Washington had been free on a $25,000 bond following an arrest in October, in which he was clocked driving 105 miles per hour on Interstate 84 East with his headlights turned off.
Following Tuesday’s shooting, Washington was taken into custody and is now facing five counts of first-degree assault, along with several firearms-related charges.
He is being held on a $2 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court later Wednesday.
Chief Spagnolo reported that three of the five victims have already been released from the hospital, while the remaining two are listed in stable condition.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and review surveillance footage from the mall.
Crime
Two Brothers and Their Sister Found Dead Inside Mount Holly Home After Postal Worker Discovers 911 Note
MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. — Law enforcement officials are investigating the deaths of three individuals after a postal worker made a disturbing discovery at a Mount Holly residence on Friday, November 6.
Emergency responders were dispatched to a home on Winding Way after a mail carrier noticed a heavily taped, handwritten message on the front door instructing anyone who saw it to call 911.
The note reportedly contained drawings of two unhappy faces with crosses over their eyes alongside the text “9-1-1 Inside.”
Upon entering the residence, responding Mount Holly Police officers discovered three deceased individuals inside the home.
Preliminary reports indicate that officers encountered a significant amount of blood within the property, though official investigators have not yet publicly detailed the exact scene conditions.
While law enforcement has not formally released the victims’ names pending official identification and next-of-kin notifications, neighbors identified the deceased as three siblings in their 60s who had resided in the neighborhood for many years: Roslyn (or Rosalind) Monk, Randy Monk, and William “Will” Monk.
Community members described the residents as quiet and friendly, expressing shock over the sudden tragedy in their neighborhood.
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, in coordination with the Mount Holly Township Police Department, has launched a full investigation into the incident.
Autopsies are currently underway by medical examiners to determine the exact cause and manner of death for all three individuals.
Officials have not yet confirmed whether foul play or a homicide is suspected, and no information regarding potential suspects has been released.
Our deepest thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the family, loved ones, and Mount Holly community affected by this devastating loss.