By: Richard L. Smith
Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported the conviction of Blake Pittman, a 32-year-old Trenton resident, for the murder of 53-year-old Pablo Herrera Chun, which occurred on July 14, 2021.
On November 16, 2023, a jury delivered a verdict of guilty on all counts of the indictment against Pittman, including murder, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a handgun, and certain persons not to possess a weapon.
The tragic incident unfolded at approximately 8:39 p.m. on July 14, 2021, when Trenton Police responded to a Shot Spotter activation in the vicinity of 43 North Stockton Street.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Pablo Herrera Chun suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was rushed to the hospital but, tragically, succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
Two weeks later, on July 28, 2021, Blake Pittman was apprehended in a Bensalem, PA hotel room by members of the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force.
During the four-week trial, Mercer County Assistant Prosecutors William P. Fisher and Scott Gershman presented a compelling case on behalf of the state.
The evidence and testimony offered a clear narrative of the events leading to the fatal shooting. It was revealed that on the evening of July 14, 2021, Pittman had the intention of shooting an individual driving north on North Stockton Street.
However, his aim went awry, and instead, he struck Pablo Herrera Chun, who was innocently walking on the sidewalk of North Stockton Street between Wood and Academy streets.
Prosecutor Onofri commended the jury for their careful and meticulous examination of the evidence, leading to the just verdict.
He acknowledged the profound grief that Herrera Chun's family has endured as a result of this heinous act and expressed hope that the verdict would provide them with some solace.
Blake Pittman is scheduled to be sentenced on February 9, 2024.
It is noteworthy that at the time of the murder, Pittman had been released from prison for less than a year, highlighting the gravity of the case and the importance of the verdict in seeking justice for Pablo Herrera Chun.