Video of gunmen who killed NJ merchant released as police search for suspects

RAHWAY — As authorities continue to investigate the February shooting death of a 21-year-old business owner, they are asking for the public's help in identifying the suspects from surveillance videos.

The Union County Prosecutor's Office released video of the Feb. 26 shooting in an attempt to identify the assailants who entered the local sneaker store through a rear utility door.

Authorities say the shooting took place at about 9:15 p.m. on the 1500 block of Irving Street in downtown Rahway. When police arrived at the location, they found Jamal Gaines suffering from a gunshot wound. The prosecutor said the man later succumbed to his injuries.

The surveillance video shows the two shooters enter the rear utility door. Their faces were "obscured by fabric." Once inside, the suspects and the victim became involved in a physical struggle that ended with fatal shots being fired, striking Gaines.

"At that point the two suspects ran out of the building the same way they came in, after which they can be seen on surveillance footage sprinting down a rear alley, with one of the two exhibiting a pronounced limp," authorities said in a statement Wednesday.

Police say the suspect seen limping away from the scene is described as wearing dark pants with light-colored sneakers. he had on a dark, hooded sweatshirt bearing a light-colored patch on the left sleeve. Video shows the other suspect wearing what appears to be a lighter-colored hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and brown or beige shoes. Police say both brandished handguns.

Anyone with information should call Union County Homicide Task Force Sgt. Michael Manochio at 908-966-2287 or Det. Sofia Santos at 908-577-4256.

A reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the suspects is being offered by Union County Crime Stoppers. Anonymous tips can be sent by phone to 908-654-TIPS (8477) or via text message by texting “UCTIP” plus a message to 274637 (CRIMES). In addition, the public can also submit tips online at www.uctip.org.

Toniann Antonelli is a social content producer for NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.