14-year-old charged with murder of NJ teen leaving birthday party

CAMDEN — A 14-year-old was charged with the shooting death of another teen as he left a birthday party in December.

Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay said the boy was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Dai’meon Allen of Lindenwold on Dec. 3 on Mt. Ephraim Avenue outside the Elks Lodge where the party was held. Allen died a half hour after the shooting at Cooper University Medical Center.

The identity of the boy charged was not disclosed due to his age. He is being held at the Camden County Juvenile Detention Center pending a court hearing.

MacAulay did not disclose the motive for the shooting.

Victim's family

Allen's family had just moved to Lindenwold from Camden, according to 6 ABC Action News. He was a freshman at Lindenwold High School and the youngest of five children.

Dr. Kristin P. O'Neil, the superintendent of Lindenwold schools in a statement sent condolences to his family and friends.

"The Lindenwold School District is both shocked and saddened by the recent passing of one of our students, Dai’meon Allen," O'Neil wrote.

A GoFundMe page created by Allen's family said the headlines will haunt the family forever. The family addressed how gun violence can suddenly hit home.

"We are in a world where your child can’t attend a birthday party because of fears he/she will not make it home! We are living it in real time! What is life for all kids? Are they supposed to be at home smothered under the protection of family forever? Should celebrations remain Covid-style, ONLINE ONLY," the page's organizer, Chaheem Priest, wrote.

MacAulay said the investigation into the shooting is still active and asked anyone with information to call her office at 856-930-5355 or Camden police at 609-519-6947.

Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com

Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.