Silvestre Marroquin Obituary, 31-Year-Old Man Shot Dead While Allegedly Breaking Into N.J. House

Silvestre Marroquin Obituary, Death –  Authorities in Cumberland County have identified the man who was shot and killed after allegedly breaking into a house on Monday night. The incident, which occurred on Old Deerfield Pike in Upper Deerfield, resulted in the death of Silvestre Marroquin, 31, of Bridgeton, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office.

 Details of the Incident 

According to New Jersey State Police, an occupant of the residence, Kevin Lucero, 24, reported to law enforcement that he shot one of two individuals who forced their way into the house. Lucero, while later arrested on gun charges, has not been charged in the fatal shooting.

Upon arrival at the scene, state troopers were allegedly informed by Lucero, “I shot him, please help him,” as stated in the affidavit filed with his charges. Marroquin was discovered with a gunshot wound in the torso in a downstairs hallway outside a bedroom and succumbed to his injuries despite assistance from police until emergency medical technicians arrived. The second intruder, who has not been identified, fled the scene and remains at large.

 Evidence Recovered 

Police recovered a handgun next to Marroquin’s body and a “ghost gun” – a firearm without a serial number – on a kitchen counter near the rear entry point used by the intruders. A search warrant was obtained for the residence and vehicles on the property, resulting in the seizure of another ghost gun from an upstairs bedroom, along with a butcher knife, cellphone, and money.

Authorities also discovered approximately $21,000 in cash in Lucero’s bedroom, alongside an unspecified controlled dangerous substance, as stated in the affidavit.

 Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation 

Kevin Lucero was charged with two third-degree possession of prohibited weapons offenses related to the ghost guns and has been placed in Cumberland County Jail awaiting court hearings. He is scheduled for a detention hearing on Monday. The incident remains under investigation by law enforcement officials, who are continuing to gather evidence and piece together the events leading up to the fatal shooting.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the second intruder to come forward and assist in bringing closure to this case. In the wake of this tragic event, questions surrounding self-defense laws, home security, and the prevalence of illegal firearms are likely to emerge, sparking conversations about community safety and the responsibilities of both homeowners and law enforcement in preventing such incidents in the future.