Authorities: 1 arrest made in connection with Fairfield Township mass shooting that left 2 dead, 12 injured

Attorney General Gurbir Grewal says the Fairfield Township, Cumberland County house birthday party mass shooting was a targeted attack.

News 12 Staff

May 24, 2021, 9:41 AM

Updated 1,082 days ago

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Attorney General Gurbir Grewal says the Fairfield Township, Cumberland County house birthday party mass shooting was a targeted attack.
The shooting left at least two people dead and 12 others wounded, state police say.
Grewal also said one person was arrested and multiple firearms have been recovered. Additional arrests are possible. Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae identified 36-year-old Kevin Dawkins as the person arrested in connection to the mass shooting.
According to state police, 30-year-old Kevin Elliot and 25-year-old Asia Hester were fatally shot. Both were from Bridgeton. There were 12 other adults who were also shot and hospitalized with various injuries. The prosecutor says several are in “dire condition.” Their ages range from 19 to 35 and include men and women.
"Witness interviews are still being conducted, digital evidence is being recovered," says Col. Patrick Callahan, superintendent of the state police. "Search warrants are being executed and forensic evidence is being analyzed. A number of firearms have been recovered from various locations and as the AG stated, one individual has been arrested and we anticipate additional arrests."
Officials say police responded to the house on East Commerce Street Saturday around 11:50 p.m. Saturday in Fairfield Township, about an hour outside of Philadelphia.
Photos show overturned pop-up party tents, tables and chairs, as well as debris throughout the home’s yard.
State police say one of the victims sustained serious injuries and is in critical condition.
News 12 is told hundreds of people attended the party. One person who was at the event says someone acting as security checked for weapons and patted guests down.
State police are urging anyone with information to call the Bridgeton Station at 856-451-0101. Tips can also be submitted to the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office at www.njccpo.org/tips.
AP wire services helped contribute to this report.


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