Three men in New Jersey face charges in drive-by shooting that resulted in the death of an innocent bystander.

Three individuals from New Jersey have been formally charged with murder in connection to a drive-by shooting incident that occurred in 2024, resulting in the death of a 45-year-old man who authorities have stated was not the intended victim. This troubling development was announced on Friday by local officials.

The three suspects, identified as Kirk Williams, 33, of Burlington City, and two Camden residents, Robert Cardona, 39, and Christopher Tokley, 45, are accused of fatally shooting Major Hamilton on May 21, 2024. The incident took place around 9 p.m. outside the 609 Elite Social Club in Willingboro, where Hamilton was socializing with a group of individuals.

According to law enforcement reports, a dark-colored vehicle initially passed the venue before returning moments later. It was during this second pass that a gunman opened fire from the vehicle, discharging multiple rounds towards the crowd and striking Hamilton in the chest. Following the shooting, Hamilton was promptly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was declared deceased approximately one hour later.

Further investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly targeting a different individual who was present at the social club. However, that person was not in the vicinity of the shooting when the shots were fired, raising serious concerns about the reckless disregard for human life displayed by the assailants.

The 609 Elite Social Club has been described as a community-focused venue aimed at fostering positive development within the neighborhood.

In the aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement apprehended Williams on April 10, while Tokley was arrested in Camden a day later by the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. Cardona, who was already in custody at the Camden County Correctional Facility on unrelated charges, received the murder charges on Tuesday.

All three suspects have been charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and various weapons-related offenses, as confirmed by Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Willingboro Township Police Chief Ian S. Bucs in a joint statement.

The cases involving Williams, Cardona, and Tokley will now be prepared for presentation to a grand jury, where further legal proceedings may ensue. This tragic incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding gun violence and the consequences of reckless actions within communities across the state.

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