On Sunday, April 28th, Hoboken Police responded to reports of a shooting on Marshall Drive in Hoboken. In a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the shooting was fatal, and later identified the victim as 21-year-old Damon Murray, of Hoboken. Community members and local organizations have shared tributes to Damon, who was a 2020 graduate of Hoboken High School. Read on for more about the incident and what community members are saying.
About the Crime
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office released the following statement on Monday, April 29th.
“Shortly after 11:30 p.m., the Hoboken Police Department received a report of shots fired in the area of 320 Marshall Drive. Responding officers located a crime scene outside the building. A 21-year-old male, later identified as Damon Murray, of Hoboken, was transported by a private auto to Jersey City Medical Center with an apparent gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was pronounced dead just after 12 a.m. on Monday, April 29, 2024. The Cause and Manner of Death are pending the findings of the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
PRESS RELEASE: Homicide Unit Investigating Fatal Shooting in Hoboken pic.twitter.com/XYzazluVok
— ProsecutorSuarezHCPO (@HCPOProsecutor) April 29, 2024
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and the Hoboken Police Department are actively investigating this matter. No arrests have been made at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip at: http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/. All information will be kept confidential.”
Community Reactions
Dr. Christine Johnson, the Superintendent of Hoboken Schools, shared the following message:
“Dear Hoboken School Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of Damon Murray, a graduate of Hoboken High School Class of 2020. Late last night, Damon was the victim of a fatal shooting on Marshall Drive in Hoboken.
Damon was a standout student leader, gifted basketball and football player, and friend during his time in the Hoboken Public Schools. His contributions to Hoboken High School, both academically and athletically, will always be remembered and cherished. High School Principal Robin Piccapietra said, “Damon was a respectful young man who worked hard day in and day out as a high school student. He always had a smile on his face.
Damon was a preferred walk-on at Rutgers University; committing to Greg Schiano’s football program. After leaving Rutgers University to return home to Hoboken to help his family, Damon enthusiastically took on a role as a paraprofessional for the district. His kindness and empathy served our Department of Special Services so well. Our students looked up to him with admiration and respect.
Keeon Walker, Damon’s football coach at Hoboken High School, said, “Damon was a wonderful athlete and an even better student; the true definition of what you want a student athlete to be. He was scheduled to meet with the fire department this week for an interview. I was looking forward to the possibility of being a mentor to him as he started his journey to become a fire fighter. I am truly heartbroken by this tragic event. My prayers go out to him family and friends.
Our district’s Guidance Counselors, Fortitude Clinicians, and Child Study Team Members are available as part of our Crisis Intervention Plan for any students and staff in need of support.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the Murray family and loved ones during this difficult time. Damon’s legacy will forever remain a source of inspiration for all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Victor Lopez Jr., a community member who runs the non-profit organization What Hoboken Sounds Like, shared the following tribute via Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Damon “Nunu” Murray ( @__10reazons ), a former Redwing/Rutgers alumni and beloved member of our community. He was an exceptional athlete and he was an overall great, respectable young man., who was admired and loved by all. We stand with our community in mourning his loss and hope that in the face of this tragedy, we can come together to offer support and comfort to those affected.”
Community Events
Two events will take place this week to honor Damon and his memory. On Tuesday, April, Damon’s family will release balloons in his honor at 6:30PM at 770 Jackson Street.
View this post on Instagram
On Wednesday, May 1st, community members will gather at Hoboken City Hall to peacefully rally at 7PM.
View this post on Instagram
A Meal Train is also being held for the Murray Family — you can find more information on how to help out here.
Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla issued the following statement on April 30th, 2024 via a city spokesperson:
“I commend our dedicated law enforcement agencies including the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hoboken Police Department, and the Massachusetts State Police for working around the clock to quickly apprehend the individual connected to Sunday’s fatal shooting. It is absolutely heartbreaking that Damon is no longer with us but knowing that justice will be served is an important step forward for our community to mourn his loss.”
Damon Murray was 21 years old when he was shot and killed on Marshall Drive in Hoboken on April 28, 2024. A 2020 graduate of Hoboken High School, he was working for the Hoboken School District, specifically with special needs children as a paraprofessional. Murray was on his way to becoming a Hoboken Fire Fighter and furthering his career in public service, when his life was tragically cut short by gun violence.
Services for Damon will be held on Friday, May 10th. The viewing will be held at Mount Olive Baptist Church (721 Washington Street in Hoboken) from 4PM-6PM, followed by a repast at the Elks Club (1005 Washington Street) from 7PM-10PM. The family requested that attendees wear red or white as a tribute to the Hoboken Redwings.
