Teens in Edison, New Jersey are heartbroken and devastated as police have confirmed that 17-year-old Justice Deas passed away. A young man she was allegedly dating reportedly shot and killed her inside her home.
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Details On Justice Deas’ Tragic Passing
According to ABC 7 New York, first responders rushed to a townhome on Grove Avenue in Edison, New Jersey, around 1:19 a.m. on January 10 after shots rang out. Officials later confirmed they found a 17-year-old girl dead inside. Friends and family later identified her as Justice Deas. Authorities said a 17-year-old boy, allegedly from Plainfield, New Jersey, was at the home during the incident. They took him into custody immediately, though further details about his identity have not yet been released. ABC adds that no one else was allegedly at home when the shooting happened.
Heartbroken Friends Reflect On The Life Of Justice Deas
After news of Justice’s death broke, ABC spoke exclusively with friends and classmates who knew her. Many of them held a vigil for her with candles and balloons to honor her. A close friend Laila Martinez said she was devastated because Justice was always an amazing friend to her.
“We just been locked in forever.” Laila continued, “Whenever I needed her, she was there for me. Whenever I needed her. When I had no one, I always had her.”
Laila added that she was completely heartbroken and will miss her dearly. “I never felt this pain in my life […] And I miss her so much.”
Another longtime friend Shamai, said he’s known Justice for over ten years and didn’t even believe the news about her death at first. “I would never expect my life without Justice. I really knew her ten plus years. He added, “I didn’t even believe it at first.”
Additionally, Shamai recalled memories with Justice saying that she was “the life of the party” and “everybody’s favorite.”
@abc7nyA 17-year-old girl was shot and killed in her own home over the weekend in New Jersey, and prosecutors say the gunman was a boy she was dating. #edison #nj #teenkilled #boyfriend♬ original sound – ABC7NY
Suspect Is Reportedly In Custody — What Happens Next?
Authorities are still investigating the incident and asking anyone with information to come forward. Details about the 17-year-old male suspect remain unknown, but ABC confirms that police have him in custody. He currently faces juvenile delinquency charges, which would have been weapons and manslaughter charges if he were an adult.
