Prosecutor: 3 North Plainfield, NJ shooting victims were cousins

NORTH PLAINFIELD — Authorities have identified two cousins, a teen and adult, killed in a triple shooting on Friday night.

Steven Jimenez, 14, and 31-year-old Christian Orellana were both gunned down on the patio outside a third cousin's apartment around 8 p.m., according to Somerset County Prosecutor Michael Robertson.

Jimenez and Orellana lived at the same residence on West 4th Street in Plainfield, he said on Monday.

The other person shot, a 28-year-old man, remained in critical condition after undergoing emergency surgery. Other than his relationship to his cousins, his identity was not publicly disclosed.

The Medical Examiner has confirmed both deaths as homicide.

A motive and possible description of the shooter or shooters at the Malcolm Gardens Apartment Complex remained under investigation.

Anyone with information relating to the investigation can contact the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office 908-231-7100 or North Plainfield Police at 908-769-2937.

Potential tips, including videos and photos, also can be shared anonymously via the STOPit app, or through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477).

LOOK: Here are 25 ways you could start saving money today

These money-saving tips—from finding discounts to simple changes to your daily habits—can come in handy whether you have a specific savings goal, want to stash away cash for retirement, or just want to pinch pennies. It’s never too late to be more financially savvy. Read on to learn more about how you can start saving now. [From: 25 ways you could be saving money today]

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 teachers and educators caught in sex crime busts

Over the past few years, state lawmakers have taken on the challenge of dealing with accused child predators among the ranks of teachers and educators.

In 2018, the so-called “pass the trash” law went into effect, requiring stricter New Jersey school background checks related to child abuse and sexual misconduct.

The follow individuals were arrested over the past several years. Some have been convicted and sentenced to prison, while others have accepted plea deals for probation.

Others cases are still pending, including some court delays amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Filed Under: Crime, North Plainfield, Somerset County

Categories: New Jersey News