On the evening of August 13, 2022, a volley of gunfire on the 200 block of Renner Avenue in Newark, New Jersey left 23-year-old Thomas Pickett mortally wounded. Police found Pickett about 9:44 p.m.; he was taken to University Hospital but was pronounced dead at 10:16 p.m. A female bystander was also injured and treated at the same hospital.

Born July 10, 1999, in Paterson, New Jersey, Pickett had graduated from Barringer High School and was described as an excellent student who pursued music, spending much of his time in the studio and with loved ones. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force and Newark detectives led the investigation.

In October 2022 authorities arrested 23-year-old Tyquil Martin of Newark and charged him with murder, unlawful possession of a handgun, and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose; the investigation was described as active and ongoing. If anyone knew Thomas, was in the area that night, or has information about the shooting, please come forward.