Crime
Irvington High School Football Player 16-year-old Ziad Cook Killed in Newark Shooting
Newark, NJ – A tragic shooting in Newark’s West Ward on Thursday evening claimed the life of a 16-year-old student and left another teenager critically injured, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
The incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. in the 200 block of Brookdale Avenue, near 227 Brookdale, where responding officers found two teenage males suffering from gunshot wounds.
Both victims were transported to University Hospital for emergency treatment.
One of the victims, later identified as 16-year-old Ziad Cook, was pronounced dead at 9:19 p.m.
The second victim, a 17-year-old male, remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Authorities confirmed that Cook was a student at Irvington High School and a member of the school’s football team.
His death has sent shockwaves through the school community, prompting an outpouring of grief and support.
Grief counselors have been made available to students and staff to help cope with the sudden loss.
Ziad Cook was described by faculty and peers as a focused, respectful, and hardworking student-athlete, dedicated both to his education and to his performance on the field.
His loss is being deeply felt by classmates, teachers, and teammates alike.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force is leading the investigation.
As of Friday, no arrests have been made, and investigators have not released a possible motive for the shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tip line or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
CHICAGO — A 37-year-old Chicago photographer was fatally shot Sunday night in the West Pullman neighborhood, according to the Chicago Police Department.
The victim was identified as Troy Hollingsworth, owner of PolaBear Red Filmz.
Police said Hollingsworth was seated inside his Nissan Maxima in the 100 block of East 118th Place at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, when an unknown individual opened fire.
Hollingsworth was struck multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities confirmed.
At this time, no suspects are in custody, and detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Additional details have not been released as the investigation remains ongoing.