A suspect stays at large after a deadly carjacking attempt on Friday night in Trenton that led to the passing of a young father.
Young Father Fatally Shot in Tragic Carjacking Attempt
The Mercer County Prosecutor's office recorded that police received multiple calls around 10:20 p.m. about a crash involving an overturned vehicle near Garfield and Farragut Avenues.
Upon arrival, police discovered an overturned white Dodge Durango with a shooting victim inside. His two children were found unharmed, still strapped in their car seats.
The casualty was later recognized as Johny Emmanuel Cruz-Rodriguez. Witnesses notified police that Cruz-Rodriguez was standing in the open back of his vehicle when a suspect entered the front and attempted to drive away.
Investigators say Cruz-Rodriguez tried to climb into the vehicle, at which point numerous gunshots were fired. The vehicle crashed quickly after, and the suspect fled the site, according to law enforcement.
Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora declared on Saturday, noting that a young father passed away in a meaningless act attack, with his minor kids witnessing the horrible event. He elucidated that the carjacking was dreadfully heightened, resulting in the deadly firing of the casualty, who bravely tried to safeguard his kids, leading to a deadly battle.
The mayor conveyed condolences to the casualties' families and loved ones during this challenging time and guaranteed them that they are working intently with law enforcement to quickly bring those accountable to justice.
Anyone with data is asked to contact Mercer County Homicide Task Force Detective Chris Pullen at (848) 992-6436 or Sgt. Will Jett at (609) 331-5010. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
Father Killed Protecting Son
A U.S. father was beaten to death in front of his son after intervening to protect another of his children from a school fight that escalated to involve adults.
Christopher Wright, 43, from Maryland, was killed on his doorstep when a group of adults and teenagers came to his home seeking his 14-year-old son, Trenton.
Wright's fiancée, Tracy Karopchinsky, said that the fight began between Trenton and another boy at Brooklyn Park Middle School on a Friday afternoon in May before adults became involved.
Chris came out to inform them that his son wouldn't come out to fight, and they threatened to enter and get him. Karopchinsky mentioned that they then said, "If he's not going to fight, then you are."
Wright was rushed to the hospital but died the next day from traumatic brain injuries. According to a GoFundMe set up by Wright's sister-in-law, Kristin Karopchinsky, Wright was beaten in the head before being repeatedly slammed into the concrete.
Tracy Karopchinsky stated that Wright had a seizure after the attack and that "there was nothing the hospital could do." The assault, witnessed by her three children, was recorded on security cameras.
Tracy made a heartbreaking discovery when she watched the footage: She said that she and her dad checked the camera, and the first video that appeared showed her 12-year-old son screaming, "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy," and running out of the house to help him. She said she couldn't bear to watch any longer after what she had seen.
Local police are investigating and report that charges could be filed against the alleged attackers.
"Anyone who assisted, abetted, or was an accomplice to the main suspect or the primary suspect will be held accountable," said Anne Arundel County police spokesman Marc Limansky.
