An arrest has been made in connection with the tragic shooting death of 9-year-old Yasin Morrison, who was fatally shot in Newark, New Jersey, on Friday evening. Jesse J. Dunbar II, 36, has been charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and weapons offenses, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s office.
The shooting occurred around 5:30 p.m. when Yasin, who had autism and was non-verbal, was with his 3-year-old sister and another man. The group was getting out of a car and approaching the door of their grandmother’s home on Osborne Terrace, where they often spent their weekends. The child’s death has deeply impacted the community, especially given the innocence of Yasin and the circumstances of the crime.
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens, II expressed the profound tragedy of the situation, emphasizing the severity of such violence. “The killing of any person is a tragic occurrence, but it is particularly heinous when an innocent 9-year-old child loses their life to all-too-common senseless violence,” he said in a statement.
Dunbar’s attorney information was not immediately available, and further details about his role in the shooting have not been disclosed. The investigation into the crime is ongoing, but the arrest marks a significant development in the case.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of senseless gun violence and the devastating impact it has on families, particularly when innocent children are caught in the crossfire. The community and authorities alike are seeking justice for Yasin Morrison and his grieving family.
