By: Tracie Carter
Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri declared on Saturday that the recent efforts of the Mercer County Homicide Task Force (MCHTF) and the Trenton Shooting Response Team have led to the arrest of a local man in connection with a fatal shooting.
Kareem Pygum, 43, from Trenton, has been charged with a slew of serious offenses, including first-degree murder in the death of 46-year-old Jose Mr. Alfredo Azcona Garcia.
Officials said Pygum also faces charges of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, and three weapons offenses, including possession by a person prohibited from having a weapon.
The arrest occurred on Hudson Street in Trenton on April 10, conducted by members of both the MCHTF and the Trenton Police Department.
The tragic shooting incident took place just after 8 p.m. on April 4, when Trenton police were summoned to the 500 block of N. Clinton Avenue following reports of an active shooter.
Arriving officers found two adult victims with gunshot injuries; a male victim with a fatal gunshot wound to the head and a female victim shot in the shoulder.
Both were rushed to Capital Health Regional Medical Center. The male victim, later identified as Jose Alfredo Azcona Garcia, succumbed to his injuries five days later.
A third victim, a male, was treated for a minor graze wound to his cheek.
At the time of his apprehension, Pygum was found with a small amount of crack cocaine and a .38 Smith & Wesson revolver, which resulted in additional charges.
The investigation is still underway, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Ryan Minnick of the MCHTF and OIC William Jett Jr. can be contacted with any relevant information, or tips can be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
Prosecutor Onofri has also filed a motion to detain Pygum until his trial, reflecting the seriousness of the charges and the ongoing commitment to justice for the victims involved.
