Tahaji Wells, 32

Trenton, New Jersey
June 17, 2018

Cause of death: Shooting


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Last updated: over 5 years ago

Overview

Tahaij Wells was shot and killed by police in Trenton, NJ at the Art All Night festival after allegedly exchanging fire with at least two other suspects in a burst of violence that injured 22 people, 17 of whom were shot, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri said during a press conference Sunday evening.

The shooting appears to be a gang-related dispute, Onofri said. 

Prior to the shooting, fights broke out inside and outside Roebling Wire Works, where the annual event was held. Police attempted to disperse the crowd and urged the organizers to shut down the festival, Onofri said. 

"Those individuals continued to loiter and additional fights broke out, and then the shooting occurred," Onofri said, noting the suspects first shot at each other before police opened fire. 

Authorities said Wells was carrying a handgun with an extended magazine -- a gun that's illegal to possess in New Jersey. It was one of several guns recovered at the scene. Authorities also commented on his violent past. 

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