Yahsim Howlett and Tyaisha West Obituary, TRENTON, N.J. — Yahsim Howlett and Tyaisha West were among 11 people shot during a mass shooting early Sunday morning on Locust Street in Trenton, New Jersey. Both Howlett and West were pronounced dead following the August 30, 2026, shooting, according to information released by the Trenton Police Department.
The shooting occurred at approximately 12:25 a.m. in the area of 194 Locust Street. Police officers responded to reports of multiple shots fired and found several people suffering from gunshot wounds when they arrived at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that 11 people were shot during the incident. Howlett and West were the two victims who died, while nine other people were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment. Their conditions were not immediately released.
An off-duty Trenton police detective, Corey McNair, assisted emergency personnel in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Amid a large crowd at the scene, police, firefighters and emergency medical crews worked to provide aid to those who had been wounded.
Two critically injured victims were placed inside an ambulance and transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center. McNair reportedly drove the ambulance to the hospital, helping get the wounded victims to emergency medical care. Both victims had suffered gunshot wounds to the head but survived.
Residents in the area said a party had been taking place outside before the gunfire erupted. The residents declined to provide additional information about what may have led to the shooting, and authorities have not confirmed what triggered the violence.
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force is leading the investigation with assistance from other authorities. Investigators are working to establish a complete timeline of the shooting, determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
No arrests have been announced in connection with the shooting, and authorities have not released information about a possible suspect. As the investigation remains active, additional details are expected as detectives continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence. The deaths of Yahsim Howlett and Tyaisha West have left their families and community facing the loss of two lives, and condolences are extended to those affected by their passing.
