A 33-year-old man from North Bergen has been arrested in Massachusetts, charged with the murder of a 21-year-old former sports star from Hoboken.
The shooting incident has sent shockwaves through the community, leading to an outpouring of tributes.
- Albert Morales, 33, from North Bergen, was arrested in Chicopee, Massachusetts.
- Damon Murray, a former standout at Hoboken High School in both football and basketball, was shot in Hoboken.
- The Hoboken community mourned Murray’s loss and held a balloon-rising ceremony.
Details of the Fatal Shooting on Marshall Drive
On the night of April 28th, shortly after 11:30 p.m., the Hoboken Police Department received a report of shots fired in the area of 320 Marshall Drive.
Officers discovered a crime scene outside the building where Damon Murray, aged 21, suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
Transported privately to Jersey City Medical Center, Murray was pronounced dead shortly after 12 a.m. on Monday, April 29th.
Arrest and Charges Against Albert Morales
Albert Morales, a 33-year-old resident of North Bergen, was apprehended by the Massachusetts State Police in Chicopee, Massachusetts.
He faces charges of murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon, as announced by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Morales will remain in custody in Massachusetts pending his extradition to New Jersey.
Honoring Damon ‘Nunu’ Murray: Athlete and Mentor
Damon Murray, known affectionately as “Nunu,” was a former athlete at Hoboken High School, where he excelled in football and basketball.
He briefly joined Rutgers University as a walk-on for the football team but returned home to assist his family.
Murray also worked with special needs children in the Hoboken school district and aspired to become a firefighter.
Community and Leadership Respond to Tragic Loss
The Hoboken community has expressed profound sorrow over Murray’s untimely death. Statements from local officials and school representatives describe him as a gifted athlete and a positive influence in the community.
A balloon-rising ceremony was held in his honor, and local leaders, including 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos and HHA Chair Barbara Reyes, expressed deep sorrow and called for community action in his memory.
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla praised law enforcement’s rapid response and arrest and commended the coordinated effort between local and state police forces.
Legal Process Begins for Albert Morales
The arrest of Albert Morales marks the beginning of legal proceedings concerning the tragic death of Damon Murray.
As he awaits extradition to New Jersey, the people of Hoboken and the affected families hope to find peace and justice for the loss of a young man who made a positive difference to many.
