One person shot, killed in Asbury Park

Asbury Park, NJ – One person was shot and killed in Asbury Park on Thanksgiving eve, law enforcement officials said.

According to New Jersey 12 News, the fatal shooting happened around 11 p.m. in the 100 block of Prospect Avenue. Detectives were on the scene until 4 a.m. Thursday, collecting evidence in the area. Authorities have identified the victim as 27-year-old Denzel Morgan-Hicks, who was found in his 2017 Ford Expedition .

The fatal shooting took place about a mile from Asbury Park High School where the traditional Thanksgiving football game was to take place. Schools officials decided to cancel the game after receiving “credible live threats” and do not plan to reschedule.  Police have not determined if Wednesday’s night shooting is related to the cancellation.

Asbury Park Police Sgt. Michael Casey told APP.com Wednesday that the department was investigating an “unconfirmed act of violence” in relation to the school districts’ decision.

“We received information that would have put our students in harm’s way so we made the decision to postpone,” said Lamont Repollet, superintendent of Asbury Park schools. “We understand the game is vitally important to both communities, but this transcends the football game. There are individuals who want to destroy the spirit of the game.”

Stay tuned for further details.