Eight-year-old Zahmire Lopez was killed on the evening of May 3, 2023, in his Newark, New Jersey home on Johnson Avenue. Zahmire, described as energetic and fond of sports, music and dance, was shot in the chest after an alleged assailant identified as 29-year-old Everett Rand reportedly took him from his mother’s arms during a violent, drug-fueled episode that also left two other people shot.

Police responding to a 911 call around 8:34 p.m. found Zahmire and two adult males with gunshot wounds. Zahmire was transported to University Hospital and pronounced dead at 9:14 p.m. The two adults included 27-year-old Wyleek Shaw, who died, and 24-year-old Tajion Simmons, who survived with non-fatal injuries. Officers say they saw Rand fleeing and attempting to discard a semi-automatic handgun; during a foot pursuit Rand was fatally shot by Newark Police Officers Steven Ferreira and Ryan Castro. A handgun not belonging to law enforcement was recovered near Rand.

The officer-involved shooting is under investigation. A community vigil was held to mourn Zahmire’s death. If anyone knew Zahmire or has information about what happened that night, please come forward.