By: Richard L. Smith
Thanksgiving Day took a sad and unfortunate turn in Elizabeth, New Jersey, as an extensive person search is currently underway for Mr. Gerard Manning, 30, of Elizabeth, who is accused of shooting a woman multiple times, causing fatal injuries.
The Union County Prosecutor's Office is leading the investigation and collaborating with the Elizabeth Police Department and other regional law enforcement agencies in the effort to locate Manning.
The incident took place in the early hours of Thanksgiving Day when Elizabeth Police Officers responded to Mravlag Manor after receiving reports of shots fired just before 4:30 a.m.
Upon arrival, they discovered Ms. Victoria Myers, 30, of Elizabeth, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
The Union County Prosecutor's Office confirmed that Ms. Myers succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Fortunately, her young children, who were present during the shooting, were unharmed.
Authorities believe that Manning and the victim were acquainted, but the motive behind the shooting remains under an active and ongoing investigation.
The Union County Prosecutor's Office has charged Manning with first-degree murder, second-degree possession of a weapon, second-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.
He is considered armed and dangerous.
"While we do believe this is an isolated incident, the suspect is considered to be armed and dangerous. We ask the public to contact law enforcement agencies should they believe they come into contact with him, officials said.
Do not approach the suspect.
If you have information regarding this matter, please contact Prosecutor's Office Sergeant Filipe Afonso - (908) 603-7116 and Detective Alex Lanza - (908) 370-4318 or Elizabeth Police Department Detective Tom Gaines at 908-418-6434.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org.
Tips that lead to an indictment and conviction may be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000 through the Union County Crime Stoppers.