Orange hearts are heavy at Birches Elementary as police investigate the fatal shooting of a 10-year-old township boy who was a student there, according to Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik.
Police responded to a residence on the 400 block of Westminster Boulevard in Turnersville at about 2:34 p.m. on May 6 for a report of a juvenile with a gunshot wound. First responders found the youth had a fatal wound to the head, and despite their lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
The boy’s death has deeply impacted the entire township community, Gurcsik said. Counseling and support services are being coordinated through the school district for students, staff and families affected by the loss. Gurcsik has directed additional patrols in and around Birches School, whose school color is orange. A social media post on the tragedy showed a photo with an orange heart.
“If you need us,” Gurcsik assured the community, “we are here.”
The active and ongoing investigation into the case is being conducted in coordination with the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office. As of The Sun’s press time, the boy’s name and other further details are being withheld out of respect for the privacy of the boy’s family.
The police department has extended its deepest condolences to all those affected, Gurcsik said. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the police detective bureau at (856) 589-0330.
