Elizabeth teenager killed while sitting in his vehicle in Newark

Three individuals, including an 18-year-old Newark man and two juveniles, have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Wed Thalerand, an 18-year-old from Elizabeth, who was killed while sitting in his vehicle on Sunday evening in Newark.

The shooting occurred around 9:00 p.m. at the intersection of Mapes Terrace and Huntington Terrace in the city’s Weequahic section.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Newark Department of Public Safety, Thalerand was shot and killed while seated in an SUV with two other individuals. While Thalerand was fatally injured, the other passengers in the vehicle were not harmed.

Prosecutors have charged Zaire Kelly, 18, of Newark, along with two unnamed juveniles, with multiple offenses, including first-degree murder, felony murder, robbery, and weapons offenses. If convicted, Kelly faces up to 30 years in prison, while the juveniles could receive sentences of up to 20 years.

Authorities allege that the fatal shooting was the result of a planned robbery. The suspects reportedly set up a marijuana transaction via Instagram with Thalerand, who was allegedly the intended target of the robbery.

When Kelly and the juveniles arrived at the scene, two of the suspects approached the vehicle’s passenger side, while Kelly approached the driver’s side. According to investigators, one of the assailants on the passenger side, armed with a gun, demanded that the person in the front passenger seat surrender the marijuana.

During the encounter, Kelly, positioned on the driver’s side, allegedly shot Thalerand, causing his death.

Surveillance footage later revealed the suspects fleeing the scene and returning to a nearby house on Lehigh Avenue, where they were later apprehended.

Kelly, when questioned by investigators, confirmed he was armed with a gun but denied being the shooter.

He referred to the other teens involved as “Shoota” and “Act.” Authorities also found photos on Kelly’s Instagram showing him with the weapon believed to have been used in the shooting.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to piece together the details surrounding the fatal encounter.

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Remembering Wed Thalerand

The tragic loss of Wed Thalerand has left his family and friends devastated. Born in Haiti on November 26, 2006, Thalerand moved to the U.S. in 2016, where he became a cherished member of his community. A dedicated student and athlete, Thalerand was known for his intelligence, competitive spirit, and ability to connect with others.

He attended several schools in the area, including John E. Technology Academy, where he was recognized for his enthusiasm and respect for others. Thalerand’s love for soccer and video games, particularly FIFA, was central to his life, and he had a natural ability to excel in both fields.

Thalerand is survived by his parents, Mariette Desir and Lucson Thalerand, his siblings, and a large extended family, including grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and his girlfriend, A’mia Martinez. His family remembers him as a kind, loyal, and loving individual whose presence brought joy to everyone around him.

While the circumstances of his death are still under investigation, the impact of his life on those who knew him remains a lasting memory.