TRENTON, N.J. — A Trenton shooting investigation has escalated into a homicide inquiry following the death of a 41-year-old Allentown, New Jersey, man early Tuesday morning, authorities said.
According to police, officers responded to the 300 block of East State Street on Monday, November 10, 2026, at approximately 7:30 PM following reports of a man shot. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, identified as Anthony Harden, suffering from a gunshot wound to the lower chest. Harden was rushed to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in extremely critical condition.
Due to the severity of the victim’s injuries, detectives from the Mercer County Homicide Task Force were called in to assist the Shooting Response Team with the active investigation.
Quick Apprehension Near Transit Station
Following the incident, a witness provided crucial information to law enforcement, reporting that the suspect had fled the scene toward the Trenton Train Station. The witness successfully directed officers to the suspect’s location near the River Line station.
Leon DeShields III, 43, of Camden, New Jersey, was quickly apprehended through a joint response by NJ Transit and Trenton police officers.
Authorities reported that DeShields was found in possession of a .380-caliber handgun at the time of his arrest.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
DeShields has been charged with attempted murder and related weapons offenses. The prosecutor’s office has announced plans to file a motion to detain DeShields pending trial.
Tragically, police confirmed that Harden succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead early Tuesday morning, November 11.
Authorities stated that the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
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