Authorities from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office are investigating the murder of 12-year old Gywan Levine, Jr., of Jersey City (pictured left), who was gunned down in Jersey City while playing basketball with his father, Gywan Levine, Sr., on Friday night.
The boy’s father was apparently coaching his son in a park on Rutgers Avenue (between Stevens Avenue and Wade Street, where they live) at approximately 9:50pm on Friday night when two men approached and opened fire. They hit Levine, Sr. in the leg and Levine, Jr. in the chest, causing injuries that later resulted in his death at the Jersey City Medical Center. Levine, Sr. remains in stable condition.
The two suspects remain at large and authorities are asking that anyone with information contact the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office at (201) 915-1345.
The first suspect is described as a black male, in his early 20s to 30s, who stands approximately 5’11” to 6′ tall. He has a medium to dark complexion, medium build, and has low cropped hair (possibly shaved or bald). The second suspect is also described as a black male, in his early 20s to 30s, who stands approximately 5’9″ tall, with a medium build.
When the shots rang out, everyone apparently fled the area. Witnesses were subsequently discovered and are being interviewed, but it is too early in the investigation to determine a motive, if any, for the shooting. At least one witness said he was in his home when he heard three gunshots. He walked to his front porch and saw two men, who appeared to be in their 20s, running down the street and speeding off in a car.
Levine, Jr. and Levine, Sr. were found lying on opposite sides of the street.
Family members, neighbors, and friends gathered yesterday at the scene for a makeshift memorial. The family was heartbroken and still in disbelief.
Levine, Jr. was a 7th grade student at School 24. His family said he had a passion for sports.
Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Gene Rubino assured the victim’s family and the public that they were pursuing every lead, stating, “Homicide detectives are continuing to work on it.”
For more information, see the Jersey Journal article entitled, “Authorities pursuing every lead in case of 12-year-old Jersey City boy killed in park.”
