Grand Jury Indicts Newark Man in Fatal Union Chick-fil-A Shooting

A Union County grand jury has indicted Jaheed Fields, 20, of Newark, on murder, attempted murder, and weapons charges in connection with a fatal shooting at a Chick-fil-A restaurant on Route 22 in Union.

Fields was indicted on one count of murder, six counts of attempted murder, one count of unlawful possession of a weapon, and one count of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The charges stem from the April 11 shooting, which left one man dead and six others injured.

Malek Shepherd, 23, of New York City, was fatally shot after he and two friends entered the restaurant and approached the register. Officers responding to reports of gunfire found seven shooting victims at the scene. Shepherd was pronounced dead at the restaurant. Six other victims were transported to area hospitals, where they were treated for injuries that prosecutors said were not life-threatening.

Fields was arrested on April 25 in Newark and initially charged with first-degree murder, six counts of attempted murder, unlawful possession of a handgun, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The grand jury indictment formally advances the case toward prosecution.

Union County Life will continue to report on this case as it moves through the courts. Fields is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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FAQ

Q: What shooting is this indictment related to?
A: The indictment is connected to a fatal shooting on April 11, 2026, at a Chick-fil-A restaurant on Route 22 in Union. One man was killed and six others were injured.

Q: Who was the victim?
A: Malek Shepherd, 23, of New York City, was fatally shot at the restaurant. Six other shooting victims were treated at area hospitals for injuries that were not life-threatening.

Q: What are the specific charges against Jaheed Fields?
A: Fields has been indicted on one count of murder, six counts of attempted murder, one count of unlawful possession of a weapon, and one count of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Q: When was Fields arrested?
A: Fields was arrested on April 25, 2026, in Newark. He was initially charged with first-degree murder and the same counts included in the grand jury indictment.

Q: What happens next in the case?
A: The grand jury indictment formally advances the case toward prosecution. Future court dates and case developments will be reported as they occur.

Q: Where can I find updates on Union, NJ news?
A: Union County Life covers Union crimes, public safety, and community news. Subscribe to the Union newsletter or visit unioncountylife.com for ongoing coverage.