The Hoboken Girl Team 
More than two years after the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Hoboken resident Damon Murray, a Hudson County jury has reached a verdict in the case. Damon was killed in April 2024, and a suspect was arrested shortly thereafter. In June 2026, a jury convicted Albert Morales of North Bergen of all charges related to Damon’s death. Since his passing, Damon’s family, friends, classmates, colleagues, and neighbors have continued to honor his legacy, including renaming a local gymnasium in his memory. Read on for more about the verdict, the case, and Damon’s lasting impact on Hoboken.
The Verdict
Albert Morales, of North Bergen, has been convicted in the 2024 fatal shooting of Damon Murray. According to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, on June 16th, 2026, a Hudson County jury found Morales guilty of murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
The verdict came after a trial before Superior Court Judge Mitzy Galis-Menendez. Morales had originally been arrested on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024, in Chicopee, Massachusetts, by members of the Massachusetts State Police, shortly after authorities announced charges in connection with the Hoboken shooting. Sentencing is tentatively scheduled for Friday, September 4th, 2026.
Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour shared the following statement: “While this verdict will not erase the pain felt by Damon’s family, friends, and loved ones, I hope it provides some measure of justice. At just 21 years old, Damon had a bright future ahead of him, when he was senselessly gunned down. His loss continues to be felt throughout our community.
Damon Murray
Damon’s death remains a heartbreaking and unnecessary reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence. As a community, we must continue working together to prevent these tragedies, and I am committed to doing that in honor of Damon’s memory. I would like to express my gratitude to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and the Hoboken Police Department for their dedication to securing justice in this case.”
The Case
The shooting happened late on Sunday, April 28th, 2024, near 320 Marshall Drive in Hoboken. Shortly after 11:30PM, Hoboken Police received a report of shots fired in the area. Responding officers located a crime scene outside the building. Damon Murray, who had sustained an apparent gunshot wound to the abdomen, was transported to Jersey City Medical Center. He was pronounced dead just after midnight on Monday, April 29th, 2024.
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On Tuesday, April 30th, 2024, officials announced that Albert Morales, then 33, had been arrested in Massachusetts in connection with Damon’s death. He was charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
The shooting prompted immediate reaction from local officials and community members. Hoboken Councilman Ruben Ramos, who represented the 4th Ward where the incident took place, described it at the time as a tragic loss of life and said early indications suggested it was an isolated incident.
Community Impact
Damon Murray was a lifelong Hoboken resident, former Hoboken High School athlete, Rutgers football walk-on, and Hoboken Public Schools paraprofessional. His death devastated many in Hoboken, where he was remembered as a standout athlete and as a kind, hardworking, and deeply loved member of the community.
Damon was a star athlete on both the football and basketball teams and a 2020 graduate of Hoboken High School. He later became a preferred walk-on for the Rutgers University football program. After returning home to Hoboken, he worked for the Hoboken Public School District as a paraprofessional, specifically supporting students with special needs.
Damon’s family with Mayor Bhalla in 2024. Image courtesy of the City of Hoboken.
Those who knew Damon described him as a student leader, a gifted athlete, and someone who showed kindness and empathy in his work with students. At the time of his death, he was also pursuing a career in public service and was on his way to becoming a Hoboken firefighter.
In the days after the shooting, community members gathered to mourn Damon and support his family. Tributes poured in from Hoboken school leaders, coaches, friends, and local organizations. Community events were organized in his memory, including a balloon release, a peaceful rally at Hoboken City Hall, and support efforts for the Murray family.
In May 2024, the City of Hoboken announced plans to rename the gymnasium at 605 Jackson Street in Damon’s honor. On August 29th, 2024, the city hosted a renaming ceremony, unveiling signage for the “Damon Murray Community Gym.” Damon was also posthumously made a member of the Hoboken Fire Department. At a ceremony, Damon’s parents accepted a helmet and badge #117 in their son’s honor. His helmet bears the number one, to indicate his posthumous assignment to Ladder Company 1, at 1313 Washington Street.
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Then-Mayor Ravi Bhalla said at the time that renaming the gym was a way to honor Damon’s resilience, leadership, athleticism, and dedication to Hoboken’s youth. Damon’s mother, Carolyn Dejarnette-Murray, also shared that the outpouring of love from the community meant a great deal to the family and that the renaming would help ensure Damon would never be forgotten.
The City of Hoboken organized a gun buyback program in June 2024 in an effort to reduce gun violence. Ten illegal weapons were recovered among the over 160 weapons ‘purchased’ during the program, according to NJ.com. “Damon Murray’s tragic passing was a painful reminder of the impact of gun violence on our community, and I’m happy we are taking strong measures to take guns off our streets,” Mayor Bhalla said.
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