North Bergen Man Charged with Murder of Former Rutgers/Hoboken Standout Athlete

NORTH BERGEN, NJ – A North Bergen resident, 33-year-old Albert Morales, has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Damon Murray, a former standout athlete at Rutgers University and Hoboken High School. Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced the arrest following the incident that has deeply shaken the local community.

The Hoboken Police Department was called to 320 Marshall Drive on the evening of April 28, 2024, following reports of gunfire. They arrived to find a crime scene outside the residential building. Murray, aged 21, was rushed to Jersey City Medical Center with a severe gunshot wound to the abdomen and was pronounced dead just after midnight on April 29.

Morales is facing charges including Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. He was apprehended without incident in Chicopee, Massachusetts by the Massachusetts State Police on April 30, and is currently awaiting extradition to New Jersey.

The tragic loss of Damon Murray has elicited widespread grief, underscored by a statement from Hoboken Mayor Ravinder S. Bhalla: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Damon Murray, a well-respected, standout athlete who gave back to Hoboken youth and our community at large. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. May his memory continue to live on through all who knew him.”

I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Damon Murray, a well-respected, standout athlete who gave back to Hoboken youth and our community at large. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. May his memory continue to live…

— Ravinder S. Bhalla (@RaviBhalla) April 29, 2024

The Hoboken High School’s Student Activities office shared, “Damon was a standout student leader, gifted basketball and football player, and friend during his time in the Hoboken Public Schools. His contributions to Hoboken High School, both academically and athletically, will always be remembered and cherished.” They also noted that Murray’s jersey is now on display in the school’s lobby, commemorating his impact with the hashtag #OnceARedwingAlwaysARedwing.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and the Hoboken Police Department continue their investigation into the circumstances of the shooting. They urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in the ongoing case.