The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and the Weehawken Police Department are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Thursday, August 15, 2024.
Shortly after 7 p.m., the Weehawken Police Department was notified of shots fired in the area of Park Avenue between 37th Street and 41st Street. Responding officers located a male victim – later identified as Jhonnier Gamboa Acosta, age 24 – with an apparent gunshot wound(s). He was transported to Jersey City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 8:14 p.m. The Cause and Manner of Death are pending the findings of the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
During the preliminary investigation, members of the Union City and Weehawken Police Departments apprehended a person of interest, identified as 67-year-old Juan Perez. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit has charged Perez with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1); Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b(1); and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a(1). He will be held at the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending his first court appearance.
Prosecutor Suarez credited the Homicide Unit, the Weehawken Police Department, and the Union City Police Department with the investigation and arrest. The above charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6)
