Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that four people have been indicted on Murder and other charges in connection with the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old male and the wounding of his father in the Walmart parking lot on Route 541 in Burlington Township in October 2021.
The grand jury returned a 14-count indictment that included charges against Tarik Jenkins, 25, of Pemberton Township, Jayviyohn J. Earley, 19, Kweli L. McCants, 20, and Kayhree Simmons, 19, all of Willingboro.
The investigation began the night of October 7, 2021, after officers from the Burlington Township Police Department responded to a report of shots fired in the Walmart parking lot at approximately 10:15 p.m.
Upon arrival, they discovered Dion E. Williams Sr., 44, and his son Albert, 17, both of Hammonton, suffering from gunshot wounds.
Both victims were transported to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, where Albert Williams, who was struck in the chest, was pronounced dead. Dion E. Williams Sr. was treated and released.
The investigation revealed that the parties involved had previously planned to meet in the Walmart parking lot.
Upon arrival, there was an argument, followed by gunfire.
The grand jury indicted Earley, Simmons and Jenkins on charges of Murder (First Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree) and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree).
All four defendants were indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Robbery (Second Degree).
Earley was indicted for Possession of a Firearm While Committing Certain Drug Crimes (Second Degree) and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute (Third Degree).
Jenkins was indicted for Aggravated Assault (Second Degree).
McCants was indicted for Hindering Apprehension (Third Degree), two counts of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Third Degree) and Prohibited Weapons and Devices (Fourth Degree). Simmons was indicted for Hindering Apprehension (Third Degree) and Obstructing Administration of Law (Fourth Degree).
The indictment was returned on February 8 and signed by Prosecutor Coffina. An arraignment will be scheduled soon in Superior Court.
The lead investigators are Prosecutor’s Office Detectives Brian Cunningham and Sean Tait and Burlington Township Detective Steven Cosmo.
An indictment is an accusation.
Defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.