By: Richard L. Smith
A 16-year-old boy from Jersey City has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of 15-year-old Cianna Lee, according to a statement released by Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez.
The arrest, made by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit, occurred on Thursday, January 23.
The teenager faces several charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Prosecutors have noted that, as a juvenile, his case remains confidential, and no further details about the suspect can be disclosed.
The incident occurred late Saturday night on January 18, 2025. Jersey City Police were called to the area of Martin Luther King Drive and Union Street shortly after 11:00 p.m. in response to a shooting.
Officers found two female victims with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle on Oak Street.
The first victim, identified as 15-year-old Cianna Lee of Jersey City, was taken to Jersey City Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead just after 1:20 a.m. on January 19.
The Regional Medical Examiner's Office determined her death was caused by a gunshot wound and ruled it a homicide.
The second victim, a 37-year-old female relative of Lee, also suffered a gunshot wound but survived.
She was treated at Jersey City Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries.
Prosecutor Suarez commended the efforts of the Homicide Unit and the Jersey City Police Department for their work on the case, which led to the arrest of the suspect.
The investigation remains ongoing.