A long-time employee of the Department of Children and Families is fighting for her life after being shot in front of her Trenton home Friday night.

Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement that the shooting was a random act and that the victim, Vernetta McCray, is hospitalized in critical condition.

He says: McCray has worked for the Department of Children and Families for over a decade and has gained the respect of her colleagues and served countless children and families in Mercer County.

"This tragedy is yet another reminder of the toll that senseless gun violence takes on our communities," Murphy says. "Our prayers are with Vernetta, her family and her loved ones at this difficult time."