Authorities have identified the young man killed in a shooting last week at Pier Village, a bustling oceanfront destination in Monmouth County, New Jersey.
Chrystofer A. Whyte, 18, of North Brunswick, was fatally shot just before 9 p.m. Thursday near the boardwalk area of Pier Village, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. The shooting happened just as a free beach concert was wrapping up, turning a festive summer night into a crime scene.
Whyte was found near the shoreline with a single gunshot wound. Officials are calling it “an isolated incident,” though no suspects have been identified and no motive has been disclosed as of Sunday.
Pier Village, known for its high-end residences, beachfront views, dining, and shopping, was at the center of Long Branch’s revitalization efforts and often draws crowds, especially during events like Thursday’s concert.
Investigators are continuing to search for leads as the community reels from the unexpected violence in one of the city’s most popular and family-friendly areas. Kushner Cos., which owns Pier Village, issued a statement Friday morning:
“Kushner is saddened by the tragic loss of life, and our hearts go out to all those impacted by this tragedy. We are in constant communication with local law enforcement, which has indicated that this is an isolated incident and did not involve any residents of the Pier Village community. As we have always done, we will work to ensure the safety of our community and we appreciate all the efforts of the City of Long Branch and the Long Branch Police Department.”
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.