A North Arlington shooting took two cousins — and left their NJ families grieving

⚠️ Two cousins were fatally shot Sunday night near the North Arlington-Kearny border.

➡️ Prosecutors say the violence stemmed from a fight between "two small groups."

🔴 No arrests or suspects were announced as of Wednesday afternoon.

Loved ones are mourning two young men who were shot and killed on Sunday night in downtown North Arlington.

The victims, 28-year-old Brian Dominick Lockett, of North Arlington, and 29-year-old Ezequiel Aquino, of Newark, were also cousins, according to online fundraisers for their families.

On Sunday at 8:37 p.m., North Arlington Police responded to several calls about a shooting near the intersection of Ridge Road and Belleville Turnpike.

The spot is at the border of North Arlington and Kearny, and is where Ridge Road becomes Kearny Avenue, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said.

Both men were pronounced dead at University Hospital in Newark.

Read More: New Jersey man gets 24 years for FBI shootout in Parsippany

Bergen County (Canva, Townsquare Media Illustration)

Investigators say shooting was an isolated confrontation

Investigators said that the shooting happened on the street and was not directly related to any of the businesses in the area.

Musella also said that the incident was isolated, involving a fight between “two small groups of people, with no wider threat or ongoing danger to the community.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, no potential suspects or arrests in the case were made public.

Bergen County Prosecuto'rs Office investigates North Arlington double homicide Google Maps BCPO - Bergen County Prosecutors Office investigates North Arlington double homicide Google Maps BCPO

Families remember two cousins taken far too soon

“Brian Lockett was taken from us far too soon, and our family is struggling to come to terms with this devastating loss,” a GoFundMe campaign organized by Geraldine Atuncar said.

“Brian was a wonderful kid with his whole life ahead of him. He was a loving dad, son, nephew, grandson, and brother, always protective of those he cared about. His heart of gold touched everyone he met, and his absence leaves a hole that will never be filled,” the online fundraiser also said.

Ezequiel Aquino was also mourned in a separate GoFundMe, which used his nickname to those closest to him.

“Pichi, just days ago, celebrated his 29th birthday. Pichi was someone who kept his circle small, but the people lucky enough to know him knew the kind of person he truly was. He had a heart of gold, and his kindness, loyalty, and love for those around him meant more than words can express,” according to the campaign organized by Norberta Vasquez.

“He had a contagious laugh that could light up any room and a presence that will never be forgotten. We not only lost Pichi, but our cousin Brian as well in the tragic event,” the fundraiser for Aquino’s family also said.

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