Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a mother and her teenage daughter inside a Trenton residence Saturday morning, in a tragedy that city officials say has left the community in mourning.
Malika Whiting, 40, and her 13-year-old daughter, Jairah Biggs, were found shot to death in their home on the 300 block of West State Street, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
Trenton police responded to a 911 call at approximately 10:30 a.m. April 12 and found Whiting in the stairwell leading to the third floor with a gunshot wound. Biggs was discovered in a third-floor bedroom, also suffering a gunshot wound. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
A person of interest has been detained on unrelated charges, but no arrests have been made in connection with the double homicide. The investigation is ongoing.
“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 mayor added. “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.”
“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,” he said.
Crisis counselors will be made available through local schools to support students and the broader community, Gusciora added. He also urged the public to come forward with any information that may assist the investigation.
According to the mayor, the Trenton Police Department is “tirelessly” working in collaboration with the Mercer County Homicide Task Force to bring justice to the victims and their family.
“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.” said Gusciora.
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force is asking anyone with information 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.
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