Newark, New Jersey – A tragic incident has left the community mourning as Yasin Morrison, just nine years old, was shot and killed on the evening of January 31, 2025. The heartbreaking event unfolded shortly before 5:30 p.m. when Yasin was exiting a vehicle with his father and three-year-old sister outside their grandmother's home on Osborne Terrace. The family had just parked and was about to head inside when gunfire erupted, fatally wounding the young boy.
According to police reports, Yasin's father attempted to shield him from the oncoming bullets, but the child was struck multiple times. He was rushed to University Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. A 36-year-old man was also injured during the shooting, yet authorities have indicated he does not appear to be connected to Yasin or his family. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear as investigators work to determine the motives behind the violence.
Yasin Morrison has been described by his family as loving and innocent. Tisha Bolden, Yasin's grandmother, expressed devastation at the loss, reflecting, "You took a life, you took a special life -- a sweet boy..." Family members have shared how Yasin, who was non-verbal and autistic, loved simple joys like watching Toy Story and eating chicken nuggets. His aunt, Markeida Morrison, added the pain of witnessing such violence, stating, "Imagine just seeing your brother, your brother die. She said to her mother last night, 'My brother Yasin is dead.' How heartbroken is she? I ask for justice."
Community members gathered for vigils, sharing their memories and lamenting the loss of such young life. The reverberations of the tragedy have reached Newark's officials, prompting Mayor Ras Baraka to issue strong comments about the senseless violence. He stated, "It is sickening to me...that anyone would be so deranged to recklessly endanger an innocent child." His remarks also highlighted the callousness of the act, weaving his personal anguish as both a mayor and father, expressing, "We will not tolerate this reckless and dangerous behavior."
Baraka's anger was complemented by the announcement of a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the shooter. The Essex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers program is urging anyone with details on the incident to come forward. Baraka made it clear: "The killer should know – we are coming after you. We are not going to rest until we find you, so turn yourself in now." The police are piecing together details from eyewitness accounts but have yet to identify any suspects or come up with concrete leads as of the latest updates.
This incident has sparked renewed conversation around public safety and the urgent need for measures to address gun violence, especially affecting the most vulnerable members of society. With little information about why Yasin, his family, and the injured man were caught up in this act, anxiety looms over the neighborhood, where many fear the unpredictability of such violence.
Residents have also called for increased community efforts to provide safer environments for children, emphasizing during the vigils the need for collective action to combat the factors contributing to such tragedies. The local police department has reasserted its commitment to thoroughly investigating the case, stating they will use all available means to bring justice for Yasin and his family.
Despite the overwhelming grief pervading the community, Yasin Morrison's relatives continue to demand justice, not only for their loss but for the safety of all children. Family members and friends have expressed their determination to see the perpetrator brought to justice, noting the resilience of their community even amid sorrow.
Yasin Morrison's tragic end serves as a stark reminder of the often-harrowing impacts of unresolved conflicts and gun violence. The calls for change echo louder with each lost life, emphasizing the need for the community to unite against acts of violence and insecurity. The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to seek the public's assistance to gather information linked to this devastating incident.