Authorities investigating a fatal late-night shooting in Linden have charged Aziz Howard, 35, of Carteret, and James Gilford, 20, of Elizabeth with first degree murder and weapons offenses in the death of James Garner, acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park announced this afternoon.
According to Park, at approximately 11:20 p.m. on June 25th, Linden Police Department patrol units responding to a second-floor apartment on the 300 block of Price Street for a report of shots being fired.
Upon arrival, police found 37-year-old James Garner suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Mr. Garner was transported to a local hospital, where he was subsequently pronounced dead.
After an ongoing investigation, the Honorable Judge William Daniel of the Union County Superior Court signed complaint and arrest warrants for Aziz Howard and James Gilford, charging each with first-degree murder and second-degree weapons offenses on July 1st.
Bail for each defendant was set at $2 million.
Early the following morning, members of the Homicide Task Force located and arrested Aziz Howard at his last known address in Carteret. He was transported to the Union County Jail, where he is currently being housed.
Despite extensive efforts by authorities, James Gilford evaded capture and remains on the run. He is described as a black male, standing approximately 5’7”, weighing approximately 160 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He also goes by the alias “Baby James”.
Anyone who sees or comes in contact with Gilford is cautioned not to approach him and call
“9-1-1”.
The Union County Crime Stoppers are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of James Gilford in this matter. Tips can be given anonymously by phone at (908) 654-TIPS (8477), via text message by texting “UCTIP” plus a message to 274637 (CRIMES), or online at www.uctip.org.
Anyone with information about the death of Mr. Garner, or the whereabouts of James Gilford is being urged to contact Union County Homicide Task Force Detective Sergeant Kevin Grimmer at (908) 447-3777 or Union County Homicide Task Force Detective William Bizub at (908) 418-2817.
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