16-Year-Old Taken Into Custody in Sayreville Homicide Investigation

SAYREVILLE, NJ — A 16-year-old male has been taken into custody and charged in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in Sayreville earlier this month, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Linda Estremera and Sayreville Police Chief Daniel Plumacker.

The juvenile faces charges of acts of juvenile delinquency that, if committed by an adult, would constitute murder, possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a handgun, and armed riot.

The incident occurred on January 9, 2026.

Authorities said police responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired at approximately 10:58 p.m. on Woods Edge Court in the Parlin section of Sayreville.

When officers arrived, they found a 17-year-old male from East Brunswick suffering from a gunshot wound.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation led by Sayreville Police Detective Mark Nairooz and Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Ryan Kirsh resulted in the arrest of a 16-year-old male from Sayreville.

According to officials, the victim and the juvenile knew each other prior to the incident, and authorities said the shooting was not a random act of violence.

The juvenile is currently being held at the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center and is awaiting a preliminary hearing before a Family Court judge.

“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” officials said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Mark Nairooz of the Sayreville Police Department at 732-727-4444 or Detective Ryan Kirsh of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-3711.

As with all criminal defendants, the charges are allegations, and the juvenile is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.