Recently engaged JC couple gunned down during attempted carjacking
A Jersey City couple returning from their engagement party Sunday morning were killed near their home on Randolph Avenue. Their murders were eighth and ninth so far this year in Jersey City.
Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio said Michael Muchioki, 27 and Nia Haqq, 25, were both shot around 3 a.m. after a trio of carjackers tried to rob the couple’s 2010 Honda CRV, but failed because of the car’s anti-theft device.
DeFazio said each member of the couple was shot twice, including Muchioki suffering a shotgun blast to the back of his head and Haqq having been shot in the back of her head with a pistol.
Both were found lying side by side on the sidewalk in front of their home. DeFazio said the couple were robbed of their personal items, based on the early investigation.
DeFazio also said it is believed the alleged carjackers used a semiautomatic handgun and shotgun, and spent shells from the handgun were recovered at the scene.
The couple was engaged this past December and planned to marry next April.
Anyone with information on the murders is asked to call the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office’s Homicide Squad at (201) 915-1345.
Hurley speaks about Basketball Hall of Fame induction
After officially being introduced as a member of the Naismith National Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2010 Monday morning, longtime Jersey City resident Bob Hurley put it all into perspective.
“Other than my marriage and the birth of my children and grandchildren, this is the biggest moment of my life,” said Hurley, the legendary St. Anthony High School coach, who became only the third boys’ high school basketball coach to ever gain induction.
“This is proof that it can be done,” said Hurley, who has captured 984 victories, 24 NJSIAA state championships, nine NJSIAA Tournament of Champions crowns and three mythical national crowns in his storied career. “This is proof that you can reach this pinnacle from the high school level. Hopefully, there will be others that will now follow me here.”
It capped a whirlwind weekend for the Hurley family. Last Wednesday, the documentary “The Street Stops Here,” focusing on the St. Anthony undefeated national champs of 2008, premiered on national television on PBS. Earlier that morning, Hurley received word that he gained induction to the Hall of Fame after three nominations, but he had to maintain a vow of silence about it.
“Do you know how hard that is to do in Jersey City?” Hurley told a horde of reporters after the announcement was made. “I wanted to tell everyone. I wanted to tell the Russian gas station attendant where I buy my gas. I wanted to tell all the toll takers on the Turnpike. But I had to keep my word and tell no one.’’
On Monday morning, it was also learned that Hurley’s son, Danny, was named as the new head coach at Wagner College on Staten Island — and that Danny’s older brother, former Duke All-American Bobby, was going to join his brother as an assistant coach.
Ironically, it was also in Indianapolis where Bobby Hurley earned his finest moment as a college player, earning Most Outstanding Player of the 1991 NCAA Tournament, leading Duke to the national title. Duke again won the national crown Monday night.
“I think we’re all living a very charmed life lately,” Hurley said.
Hurley was joined on the Hall of Fame podium by legendary players Larry Bird (representing the USA Dream Team of 1992), Scottie Pippen, Walt Bellamy (representing the USA Olympic team of 1960) and Cynthia Cooper.
For more about the historic day, read the Jersey City Reporter this coming weekend and Jim Hague’s sports column in all editions of The Hudson Reporter, in the print editions or at www.hudsonreporter.com. – Jim Hague
Campos sues Hoboken, NYC after DUI arrest
According to NJ.com, former Hoboken 4th Ward Councilman Chris Campos is suing the cities of Hoboken and New York, as well as a police officer in each city, regarding his DUI arrest in Manhattan three years ago.
The arrest came just a few months before Campos battled in – and ultimately lost – a tough election. The ultimate victor was political newcomer Dawn Zimmer, who is mayor of Hoboken today.
NJ.com writes: “Former Hoboken Fourth Ward Councilman Chris Campos is suing Sgt. James Peck of the Hoboken police and New York City police officer Joseph Liotta in a civil lawsuit over his DUI arrest more than three years ago. Campos, a private practice attorney in Hoboken, is seeking injunctive, compensatory damages from the defendants, one of whom arrested him on DUI charges more than three years ago. Louis Zayas, Campos’ attorney, contends the police officers conspired to embarrass and discredit Campos as an elected official and that there was no probable cause to believe he was intoxicated. Zayas said the arrest, which led to Campos losing his job as a municipal prosecutor and losing his bid for re-election to the council, was a deliberate act that was extremely damaging to his political career.”
For more on this story, check out the Hoboken Reporter this weekend.
Tickets on sale for Taste of Weehawken
Tickets are now on sale for the 10th Annual “Taste of Weehawken,” the gala culinary celebration and fundraiser benefiting the Weehawken Free Public Library. This year’s “Taste” takes place on April 27 from 6:30 p.m. to9:30 p.m. at the Food Court at Lincoln Harbor.
Throughout the evening, patrons can sample the unique styles and signature dishes of both high profile as well as emerging local restaurants and chefs. Attendees can also learn about fine wines to pair with the samplings, taste delicious desserts, and enjoy a variety of musical entertainment.
Tickets can be purchased at Weehawken Free Public Library and Multi-Media Center, 49 Hauxhurst Ave. Tickets will also be sold at the door for a higher price.
For additional information, contact the library at (201) 863-7823.
Volunteer Expo to be held at Loew’s Jersey Theatre
In celebration of National Volunteer Week, the Second Annual Volunteer Expo will be held on April 21 from noon to 8 p.m. in the lobby of the Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre, 54 Journal Square in Jersey City.
Attendees will be able to meet representatives from dozens of non-profit agencies who need volunteer assistance, and explore hundreds of local short and long-term volunteer, internship and community service opportunities.
This free event is co-sponsored by Friends of the Loew’s and by The City of Jersey City.
For more information, please contact: volunteer.expo@gmail.com or (201) 668-0546.