The Jersey City community is rallying to support the loved ones of a local mother who was shot and killed while walking home earlier this month.
On Dec. 4 Jersey City Public School worker and mother of four Aieshia McFadden was assaulted and shot and killed in front of her daughter on Martin Luther King Junior Drive.
She was 36 years old.
Now, an online Facebook fundraiser, started by Tiffany Critten, has circulated throughout the community successfully raising more than $20,000 of the $50,000 goal through the donations of 429 people this week.
“On December 4, 2020, Aiesha McFadden was walking home to the store while accompanied by her daughter. At around 8:30 p.m. Esha was inappropriately touched, and she was obviously offended and made it known,” states the Facebook fundraiser page. “The harasser then shot Esha twice right in front of her daughter who stayed with her until she was pronounced dead at Jersey City Medical Center. Esha’s children will have to live with this memory for the rest of their lives, meaning they need therapy. Dazania, Esha’s oldest daughter—a college student—will now have to raise her siblings, the youngest of them eight years old.”
Local community organizations are supporting the fundraising efforts, circulating the fundraiser’s link on social media and in emailed newsletters.
“Many of us have experienced assault and harassment from strangers, and it’s horrible that she was murdered for defending herself against such an attack,” stated the Lafayette Blockwatch in an emailed newsletter. “It’s also upsetting that many shootings in our city do not get the attention they deserve. Please consider donating to the family. “
On Facebook, Assemblywoman Angela McKnight urged those who could to donate.
“I am asking if you can find it in your heart to make a donation to the children of Aiesha McFadden. There is no amount too small. Their mother was violently taken from them as she stood up for herself,” she said before personally donating $500 to the family.
She asked those who are unable to donate, to share the fundraiser page and help spread the word.
“Let’s come together as a community and pour an abundance of love and care into the children of Aiesha McFadden,” she said.
To donate go to https://www.facebook.com/donate/943350239530885/
Suspect apprehended
According to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, on Dec. 5, law enforcement arrested an East Orange man for his alleged involvement in her murder.
Police arrested 37-year-old Thaddues Williams at approximately 7:10 p.m. in the area of Carnegie Avenue in East Orange.
He is charged with Murder, a first-degree crime; Possession of a Weapon (firearm) for an Unlawful Purpose, a second-degree crime; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (firearm), a second-degree crime. He is also charged with Criminal Sexual Contact, a fourth-degree crime, for allegedly touching the victim inappropriately.
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez credited the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and the Jersey City Police Department with the investigation and arrest. She also credited the East Orange Police Department with assisting in the arrest.
The Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit continues to investigate McFadden’s murder with the Jersey City Police Department.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the HCPO at 201-915-1345 or leave an anonymous tip at http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/.
All information will be kept confidential.
The above charges are merely accusations. Williams is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
For updates on this and other stories check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Marilyn Baer can be reached at Marilynb@hudsonreporter.com.
