Mercer Times

A state grand jury has voted not to file any criminal charges at the conclusion of its deliberations regarding the death of Everett Rand, 29, of Newark, New Jersey, who was fatally shot by officers from the Newark Police Department on May 3, 2023.

Mr. Rand’s death was investigated by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) and presented to New Jersey residents serving on the grand jury, in accordance with the 2019 Independent Prosecutor Directive. In July 2021, OPIA issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure these grand jury presentations are conducted in a neutral, objective manner with appropriate transparency regarding the process, consistent with the directive.

The investigation included witness interviews, video footage, ballistics, and autopsy results from the medical examiner. This evidence was presented to the state grand jury. After hearing the testimony and evidence, the grand jury concluded its deliberations on July 8, 2024, and voted “no bill,” meaning jurors decided no criminal charges should be filed against Newark Police Officers Steven Ferreira and Ryan Castro.

The investigation revealed that on May 3, 2023, Newark officers responded to a 911 call reporting individuals had been shot inside a residence on Johnson Avenue. Responding officers observed Mr. Rand leaving the residence and discarding an item in a nearby dumpster. Multiple officers then chased Mr. Rand while other officers gained entry to the home on Johnson Avenue.

According to Officer Ferreira’s later statement, he observed Mr. Rand reach into his waistband during the foot pursuit and grab what appeared to be a handgun. Officer Ferreira then fell to the ground as he discharged his firearm at Mr. Rand several times. Officer Castro also fired his weapon at Mr. Rand. After Mr. Rand was arrested, his handgun was recovered.

Officers rendered medical aid until EMS arrived and transported Mr. Rand to University Hospital in Newark where he was pronounced deceased at approximately 9:14 p.m.

Further investigation revealed that earlier Mr. Rand discarded another weapon—a semi-automatic handgun with a large capacity magazine—in the dumpster where he was first observed by police.

When police entered the residence they found a 27-year-old man from Newark deceased from a gunshot wound and an eight-year-old boy who had been struck by gunfire. The child was transported to University Hospital in Newark where he was later pronounced deceased. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office investigated the shootings that happened in the residence revealing that a third person sustained non-life-threatening injuries from being shot while inside the Johnson Avenue home.

Footage from four police officers’ body-worn cameras related to this incident has been released publicly online.

A 2019 law requires investigations into deaths occurring during encounters with law enforcement or while in custody be conducted by New Jersey's Attorney General’s Office and presented to a grand jury for potential indictment decisions against involved officers.

A conflicts check conducted pursuant to this directive found no actual or potential conflict of interest involving any individual assigned to this investigation prior to presentation before OPIA Executive Director Drew Skinner reviewed it according to SOPs for these presentations.

At these investigations' conclusions under established policies including AG's Internal Affairs Policy & Procedures appropriate actions are taken based upon results ensuring timely completion monitored by OPIA determining necessary actions based upon administrative reviews accordingly.

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