Linden, NJ homicide investigation — victim ID'd, no arrests made

LINDEN — Authorities are looking for the person or persons responsible for a fatal shooting of a city resident in a parking lot Wednesday night.

Linden Police responded to the 600 block of Morningside Avenue shortly after 8:45 p.m. Wednesday and found Grady Jilus, 29, suffering from serious injury, according to the preliminary investigation as detailed in a release from the Union County Prosecutor's Office on Thursday.

Jilus was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. RLS Metro Breaking News reported a suspect fled the scene.

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The Union County Homicide Task Force is now leading the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Prosecutor's Office Sgt. Lamar Hartsfield at 908-451-1873, Detective Brandon Lorenz at 908-337-3230, or Linden Police Department Detective Matthew Jones at 908-474-8556.

Anonymous tips can be made at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or uctip.org, and a tip that leads to a conviction is eligible for up to a $5,000 reward.

Patrick Lavery is New Jersey 101.5's afternoon news anchor. Follow him on Twitter @plavery1015 or email patrick.lavery@townsquaremedia.com.

Beautiful sunflower fields to visit in NJ 2021

Among reasons why the “Garden State” remains a fitting nickname for New Jersey — late summer means the arrival of sunflower season.

There are at least six fields, spanning the state. Some are in bloom as of early August, while others are planned to peak from late August to late September.

Calling or emailing before heading out is always advisable if weather appears to be an issue.

NJ towns and their nicknames

NJ arrests 31 accused child predators in "Operation 24/7"

A roundup of 31 men have been accused of sexually exploiting children online, state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced on July 14 while detailing "Operation 24/7."

The suspects “possessed and or distributed videos and images of child sexual abuse, including in many cases videos of young children being raped by adults,” Grewal said.

Chat apps and gaming platforms remain favorite hunting grounds for child predators and even as the pandemic winds down, many children have continued to spend more time online.

State Police received 39% more tips in just the first 6 months of 2021 than they received in the entire year in 2019. The following are suspects charged in "Operation 24/7."