Third Person Facing Weapons Charges in Deadly Fairfield Township Mass Shooting

Authorities in Cumberland County say a third person is now facing weapons-related charges in connection to the deadly mass shooting in Fairfield Township on May 22nd.

Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae says 39-year-old Larry McCrae of Bridgeton has been charged with two counts of second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun for two guns that were recovered.

According to a press release, at this time, their investigation does not reveal that McCrae was a suspected shooter at the party.

On the night of Saturday, May 22nd, state troopers responded to reports of multiple shots fired at a home on East Commerce Street in Fairfield Township where a birthday party was being held. WPVI-TV reports, "Someone emerged from the woods and started firing."

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30-year-old Kevin Elliott and 25-year-old Asia Hester, both of Fairfield Township, were shot and killed while 12 other adults were wounded by gunfire. One of the those wounded was 19-year-old Braylin Holmes of Millville who died the following Monday evening.

The party had attracted "hundreds" of people, according to Gov. Phil Murphy, who called the shooting "horrific" in a statement released that weekend. Authorities said the shooting was a targeted attack but they have not publicly said whether the shooting was gang-related.

36-year-old Kevin Dawkins of Bridgeton was arrested shortly after the shooting. He has been charged with unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, possession of a high-capacity magazine, and certain persons not to possess weapons. Kevin Dawkins has not been charged with killing or injuring any victim.

Troopers later arrested 30-year-old Darrell Dawkins, also of Bridgeton; he was charged with unlawful possession of a handgun. Cops say Dawkins, "was at a party at a private residence when the shooting occurred." Their investigation, at this time, does not reveal that Dawkins is a suspected shooter at the party.

As of Thursday evening, authorities have not yet identified a shooter.

Anyone with information about this mass shooting is asked to contact the New Jersey State Police Bridgeton Station at (856) 451-0101 or submit a tip via the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office tipline. State Police have also setup a platform where people who may have captured cell phone video of the incident can upload files to.