By: Richard L. Smith
RLS Media is following rapid developments in a homicide investigation that occurred on Thanksgiving Day in Elizabeth.
In the heartbreaking incident that shook the city of Elizabeth, a man accused of murdering a woman in front of her children was arrested.
Mr. Gerard Manning, 30, was apprehended by detectives at a Union County medical facility around 9:10 a.m., where he was reportedly seeking psychiatric treatment, friends of the victim told RLS Media.
The Union County Prosecutor's Office and Elizabeth Police had been on the hunt for Manning for over 24 hours following the tragic incident at Mravlag Manor housing development.
According to the Union County law enforcement officials, Manning entered the apartment of Ms. Victoria Myers, also 30, shortly before 4:20 a.m. and opened fire, fatally wounding her.
Responding to reports of gunfire, police arrived at the scene to find Myers suffering from multiple bullet wounds; she was pronounced dead at the scene, The Union County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement.
Officials said Manning faces several charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree possession of a weapon, and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.
The Union County Prosecutor's Office is leading the ongoing investigation. While the motive for the shooting is suspected to be domestic, it remains a critical part of the active investigation.
This tragic event has left the community traumatized and saddened as they mourn the loss and grapple with the senselessness of the violence on what should have been a peaceful holiday.