New Jersey State employee killed by stray bullet

Vernetta McCray, a Trenton, NJ native who was also a New Jersey State employee, has died after being hit by a stray bullet.

New Jersey State employee Vernetta McCray killed

McCray, a longtime Department of Children and Families employee, was killed while working in her front yard.

Her family is devastated.

With heavy hearts, the family of 39-year-old McCray spoke with 6 ABC Action News Saturday about the loss they are now feeling.

“Something like this never has to happen. This is a senseless act of violence and the violence needs to stop,” said her aunt Tawanna Simmons.

“There are so many things going on in the world today and this is the last thing that we need to see.”

McCray was rushed to the hospital and later succumbed to her injuries, reports 6 ABC Action News.

Random act of violence

Governor Murphy, who released a statement about the shooting, said it was a random act of violence.

He praised McCray for more than a decade of commitment to the state’s department of children and families.

“I’m devastated by the shooting of longtime New Jersey Department of Children and Families employee Vernetta McCray. For over a decade, she has served countless children and families in Mercer County. Our prayers are with Vernetta, her family, and her loved ones at this difficult time.”, Murphy said.

“This tragedy is yet another reminder of the toll that senseless gun violence takes on our communities. Our prayers are with Vernetta, her family, and her loved ones at this difficult time,” said Murphy.

The family says McCray in her final act of giving will be donating her organs, further proof of willingness to give back and serve the community.