A Trenton man has been charged in connection with the fatal shootings of his ex-girlfriend and her teenage daughter, whose bodies were found inside a West State Street residence on April 12.
Bahin Lynch, 45, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of 40-year-old Malika Whiting and her 13-year-old daughter, Jairah Biggs.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office said Lynch is also facing charges of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, first-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm.
Lynch is being held at the Mercer County Correction Center. The prosecutor’s office plans to file a motion to detain him pending trial.
According to authorities, officers responded to a 911 call around 10:30 a.m. on April 12 at a residence in the 300 block of West State Street.
Whiting was found in a stairwell leading to the third floor, and Biggs was discovered in a third-floor bedroom. Both had suffered gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The arrest follows an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and Trenton police. Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey and Police Director Steve Wilson said the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Scott Peterson at (609) 649-9218 or Sgt. Roberto Reyes at (609) 256-0997. Tips can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
News of the double homicide has reverberated throughout the city.
“It is with profound sorrow and heartbreak that we learned of the senseless and devastating loss of Malika Whiting and her 13-year-old daughter, Jairah Biggs,” said Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora in a statement.
“The news of this horrific act of violence has shaken our community. The family’s roots are in the community and throughout the City. No mother and daughter should ever be taken from this world in such a tragic and violent way,” he said.
Gusciora added that crisis counselors would be available through local schools to help students and community members process the loss. He urged the public to come forward with any information that may aid investigators.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family, friends, and loved ones of Malika and Jairah during this unimaginable time. As a city, we mourn alongside you and stand with you in grief and in solidarity,” the mayor said.
He added that the Trenton Police Department is working closely with the Mercer County Homicide Task Force to ensure justice is served.
“We must all play a role in ending the cycle of violence that continues to rob us of our loved ones and tear apart our community,” Gusciora said.
A Trenton Police car site outside headquarters. ,
