Jersey City, NJ – Two friends walking to a party never knew a night of supposed fun would turn into a deadly encounter. Chamir Garcia got away but his friend, Kermy Amparo-Berroa suffered fatal stab wounds that night in which Garcia says was a random attack.
Chamir Garcia told the Jersey Journal, that he and his friend had arrived at a party on Manhattan Ave. near its ending when they were approached by group of drunk people.
The group began “picking” on them and “arguing” with them, Garcia said, adding that the escalation to deadly violence was a “big blur.”
“It kind of happened at the same time,” he said. “It was like within 30 seconds apart. I believe I was stabbed first. From where I was, I couldn’t see Kermy.”
North Bergen resident Kermy Amparo-Berroa was pronounced dead shortly right after 5 a.m. Sunday morning right after he was stabbed. Garcia was able to get away, and was later treated for non-fatal stabbing wounds at a local hospital.
Jersey City residents Lee M. Lozado, 19, and Ricardo Gallardo, 21, have been each charged with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful goal for the non-fatal stabbing, Hudson County Acting Prosecutor Gaetano T. Gregory stated. As of yet, no one has been charged with the murder of Amparo-Berroa
Just prior to 4 a.m. Sunday morning, Jersey City Police had been dispatched to a report of a stabbing in the region of 48 Manhattan Ave. When officers arrived they discovered emergency medical solutions treating Amparo-Berroa for life-threating stab wounds to his upper body, Gregory mentioned.
Amparo-Berroa was transported to the Jersey City Health-related Center, where he later died, according to Gregory.
Chamir Garcia left the scene prior to police’s arrival and was later located at Christ Hospital, Gregory stated.
The homicide investigation is being performed by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Homicide Unit. The investigation is continuing and homicide detectives are continuing to interview other witnesses, Gregory stated.
Anyone with information is asked to speak to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Workplace Homicide Unit at 201-915-1345 or by e-mail at hcpotips@hcpo.org. All contacts will be kept confidential.
