Jerome Chandler

Friends and neighbors remembered Jerome Chandler as a hard-working, genuine, and nice guy who was loved by many. The 23-year-old man, described as goofy and playful with local children, lived about a half-mile from where his life was tragically cut short. A neighbor recalled that everybody liked him and that he knew everyone in the community, never bothering anyone. His family, too distraught to speak publicly, described his death as senseless.

On the evening of Monday, November 9, 2026, just before 7 p.m., the sound of multiple gunshots shattered the quiet of the 100 block of Federal Street in Burlington City, New Jersey. Residents reported hearing between three and twelve shots. One neighbor was sitting on her porch just feet away when the violence erupted. Another resident on nearby York Street said he saw a car speeding through the neighborhood, doing 80 to 90 miles per hour, just moments before the gunfire began. Witnesses saw several individuals in ski masks fleeing the area after the shooting.

When police arrived, they found a chaotic scene that stretched across several blocks. Jerome Chandler had been shot multiple times and collapsed outside a residence on Federal Street. Two other victims, both teenage boys, were also wounded. Despite their injuries, they managed to run from the scene, collapsing near a McDonald's on Route 130. The large police presence blocked off nearby intersections as the investigation began.

Emergency responders rushed Chandler by ambulance to Virtua Willingboro Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries and died that night. The two teenagers were airlifted to Cooper University Medical Center in Camden. Both were expected to survive. The Burlington County Prosecutor's Office later stated that they did not believe any of the three victims had fired a weapon during the incident. Their names were not released because they were minors.

The investigation is being conducted by the Burlington City Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. Investigators returned to the area of East Federal and York streets on Thursday with K-9 units to search for more evidence. As of late November 2026, no arrests had been made, and authorities had not disclosed a motive for the shooting.

The violence sent a wave of anxiety through the Burlington community. Due to the shooting's proximity to Burlington City High School, the local school district operated on a two-hour delay the following day, Tuesday. The superintendent issued a letter acknowledging the community's concerns, particularly for students who walk to school, and announced that all absences would be excused. The district also made the Burlington County Crisis Team, along with school counselors and social workers, available to provide support for students and staff. All after-school activities were canceled.

Community members planned vigils for Tuesday evening at the corner of York and Federal Streets to honor Jerome Chandler's memory. However, the Burlington City Police Department, citing ongoing public safety concerns, asked that the gatherings be postponed. They noted that Chandler's family shared their concerns and agreed that it was not the appropriate time for a vigil. Authorities promised to assist the family with a future memorial when the time was right. Residents expressed their fear and frustration over the violence, with one mother who lived near the scene resolving not to let her children play outside anymore.

The investigation into Jerome Chandler's death remains active and ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with information that might be helpful to contact the Burlington City Police Department or the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office.