Two brothers from Hamilton, New Jersey, are facing serious criminal charges following a shooting that occurred on December 23, 2024. The incident, which took place in the driveway of their Liberty Street home, left two men injured and has resulted in multiple charges for the suspects, Juan Cruz, 18, and Nelson Cruz, 21.
Juan Cruz has been charged with attempted murder and related firearms offenses, while Nelson Cruz faces charges of aggravated assault and firearms violations. The brothers were arrested on January 15, following an investigation by local authorities.
Details of the Incident
According to Hamilton police and court documents, the altercation began at the rear door of the Cruz family home and escalated into gunfire. At around 10:45 a.m., Juan Cruz allegedly opened fire on a car with three occupants parked in the driveway.
Police were alerted to the situation when a 911 caller reported driving two of the victims, aged 33 and 22, to the hospital. The victims have since been released from medical care.
Witness statements reveal that Nelson Cruz allegedly exited the home and confronted the victims near their car while brandishing a handgun. One of the men pleaded with Nelson not to shoot, after which the group quickly entered their vehicle. Moments later, gunshots rang out, striking the car.
Investigators believe Juan Cruz fired the shots from a window inside the house.
The Aftermath and Arrests
Authorities immediately filed charges against the Cruz brothers but were unable to locate them after the incident. On January 15, police tracked down Nelson Cruz, though they did not specify the location of his arrest.
Juan Cruz was found at a residence in the 400 block of William Street in Trenton. Officers executing an arrest warrant discovered him emerging from the basement of the home. Upon being detained, Juan reportedly admitted to possessing a firearm, telling officers that the weapon was on a bed upstairs.
With the residents’ permission, police conducted a search of the home, finding a handgun and ammunition. Investigators later confirmed that the handgun had been reported stolen in Pennsylvania.
Nature of the Dispute Remains Unclear
Hamilton police have not provided details about the motive or nature of the dispute that led to the shooting. However, the evidence and witness statements point to an argument escalating into a violent confrontation.
Court documents suggest the victims were involved in an altercation at the rear door of the Cruz home before the situation moved to the driveway. Police continue to investigate the events leading up to the shooting to determine the full circumstances.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Both Juan and Nelson Cruz now face a series of legal hurdles as they await their court appearances. Lawyer information for the brothers was not immediately available, and it remains unclear if they have entered any pleas regarding the charges against them.
This case underscores the serious consequences of gun violence and highlights the risks of escalating disputes. As authorities work to bring justice to the victims, the community is left grappling with the impact of this tragic event.
Hamilton Community Response
The shooting has sparked concern within the Hamilton community, with residents emphasizing the need for stricter measures to prevent gun violence. Incidents like this highlight the importance of addressing illegal firearms and ensuring public safety.
Local leaders have urged individuals to come forward with any additional information about the case to assist the ongoing investigation.
Conclusion
The Cruz brothers’ case is a stark reminder of how quickly disputes can spiral out of control, leading to serious consequences. While the victims have been released from the hospital, the emotional and psychological impact of such events often lingers.
As the legal process unfolds, authorities are focused on ensuring accountability and preventing similar incidents in the future.
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