Teenagers in Edison, New Jersey are heartbroken and devastated after police confirmed a 17-year-old Justice Deas died. A young man she was dating allegedly shot and killed her inside her home.
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Details of the tragic death of Judge Deas
According to ABC 7 New YorkFirst responders rushed to a townhouse on Grove Avenue in Edison, New Jersey, around 1:19 a.m. on Jan. 10 after shots were fired. Authorities later confirmed they found a 17-year-old girl dead inside. Her friends and family later identified her as Judge Deas. Authorities said a 17-year-old boy, believed to be from Plainfield, New Jersey, was at the home during the incident. They immediately took him into custody, although further details about his identity have not yet been released. ABC adds that no one else was believed to have been home at the time of the shooting.
Heartbroken friends reflect on the life of Judge Deas
After news of Justice’s death broke, ABC spoke exclusively with friends and classmates who knew her. Many of them organized a vigil in his honor with candles and balloons to pay their respects. Close friend Laila Martinez said she was devastated because Justice had always been a great friend to her.
“We were locked away forever.” Laila continued, “Whenever I needed her, she was there for me. Whenever I needed her. When I didn’t have anyone, I always had her.”
Laila added that she was completely heartbroken and would miss her dearly. “I’ve never felt this pain in my life […] And I miss her so much.
Shamai, another longtime friend, said he had known Justice for more than a decade and didn’t even believe the news of his death at first. “I would never imagine my life without Justice. I really have known her for over ten years. He added, “I didn’t even believe it at first.”
Additionally, Shamai recalled memories with Justice saying she was “the life of the party” and “everyone’s favorite.”
@abc7nyA 17-year-old girl was shot and killed in her own home over the weekend in New Jersey, and prosecutors say the shooter was a boy she was dating. #edison #nj #teenkilled #boyfriend♬ original sound – ABC7NY
The suspect is reportedly in custody – what happens next?
Authorities are still investigating the incident and are asking anyone with information to come forward. Details about the 17-year-old suspect remain unknown, but ABC confirms police are holding him in custody. He is currently facing juvenile delinquency charges, which would have been weapons and manslaughter charges if he had been an adult.
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