14-year-old NJ Boy Charged With Murder In South Jersey Shooting

In New Jersey, a person must generally be at least 15 years old to be tried as an adult for serious crimes like murder.

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However, there are exceptions; if prosecutors can show that the crime was especially violent or that the juvenile system wouldn’t be enough to handle the case, a judge can approve moving the case to adult court. Children younger than 15 usually stay in the juvenile system, no matter how severe the crime.

Authorities: 14-Year-Old Facing Murder Charge In Shooting

According to a Patch report, "the teenage boy (14 years old), whose name cannot be released due to his age, is accused of shooting and killing 25-year-old Andre Ross in Mount Holly's Mill Dam Park on Sept. 22, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Mount Holly Township Police Chief Clifford C. Spencer said."

Patch reported that he’s facing charges of

• First-degree murder 
• Having a weapon for an unlawful purpose
• Illegally possessing a weapon

Authorities have not released a possible motive for the shooting.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the authorities. An investigation is continuing.