A 19-year-old New Brunswick resident lost his life in a shooting outside La Famosa Bar & Liquor on Remsen Avenue in the city.
Enger Abreu is the fifth murder victim in New Brunswick this year.
Two other male victims sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to Robert Wood Hospital for treatment.
“On Thursday, November 30, 2023, at approximately 11:10 P.M., authorities responded to La Famosa Bar located at 117 Remsen Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ following a report of a shooting,” said Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and New Brunswick Police Department Director Anthony A. Caputo, in a press release.
“Upon their arrival, officers located two male victims, both who sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to Robert Wood Hospital for treatment,” said the release. “Enger Abreu, 19, of New Brunswick, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. A third male victim was located at a nearby residence and transported to the hospital as well for treatment.”
The initial investigation suggests that this was not a random act of violence, and there is no apparent threat to the public.
Enger Abreu’s tragic death marks the fifth homicide in New Brunswick this year, all if which poccurred in the Second Ward.
The victims of the previous four murders were between 20 and 28 years old.
The city faces increased scrutiny as two gun-related murders remain unsolved from this year, raising concerns about community safety.
For years, progressive Democrat Lisa McCormick has pointed out that police in New Jersey failed to solve the vast majority of crimes, including homicide.
“About half the homicides in New Jersey remain unsolved, which literally means that criminals are getting away with murder,” said McCormick.
The scene of the crime, marked by at least twelve yellow indicators, was at the intersection of Remsen Avenue and Handy Street, where the bar is located, has been identified as a hotspot for violent incidents in recent years.
New Brunswick Today’s Carlos Ramirez reporting reveals a history of violence at this location, with incidents ranging from assaults and robberies to a September 23 robbery in front of the bar shortly after last call.
The community remains on edge as the November 30 shooting adds to the list of unresolved crimes in the area.
Despite promises to inform the community about such incidents, the city government faces criticism for the lack of communication regarding the recent shooting.
The city’s website, designated for police press releases, is notably missing updates on the five homicides that occurred in 2023.
Authorities urge anyone with information or surveillance footage to contact Detective Jeffrey Monticello of the New Brunswick Police Department at 732-745-5200 or Detective Michelle Coppola of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-3300.