Beloved Edison, N.J. teen girl, 17, shot by boy she reportedly dated

Justice Deas, a 17‑year‑old Edison, N.J. student described as joyful and deeply loved, was shot and killed inside her Grove Avenue home early Saturday morning, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Police arrived around 1 a.m. and found Deas suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Edison teen shot: Prosecutors Charge 17-Year-Old Boy from Plainfield

Prosecutors said a 17‑year‑old Plainfield boy who had reportedly been dating Deas shot her and officers arrested him inside the residence. Officials have withheld his name because of his age. Prosecutors have charged the teen with acts of juvenile delinquency.

Officials said that if he were an adult, he would face aggravated manslaughter and two weapons offenses. Authorities emphasized the shooting was not a random act of violence.

The Plainfield teen is being held at the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center pending a preliminary hearing.

Who Justice Deas Was: A Loyal Friend and “Daddy’s Girl”

Friends and family said Justice was a bright, loving teenager who always showed up for the people she cared about.

“When I needed her, she was there for me,” friend L. Martinez told WABC. “When I had no one, I always had her.”

A memorial of candles and balloons now sits outside her apartment complex. Friends said she was “the life of the party” and always laughing.

Her great aunt, Sheila Dickerson, told NJ.com that Justice “was a sweetheart,” a jokester, and a devoted “daddy’s girl.”

“She had a lot to look forward to,” Dickerson said. “It’s heartbreaking. She didn’t deserve it.”

Justice, an 11th‑grade student at Edison Success Academy, was excited about getting her license, attending prom, graduating, and going to culinary school.

Edison Township Public Schools Superintendent Edward Aldarelli also expressed condolences.

“On behalf of the Edison Township Public Schools community, I share in the deep sorrow of the loss of one of our students,” Aldarelli said in a statement to NJ Advance Media.

Police Seek Information

Anyone with information is asked to contact:

• Detective Spielman, Edison Police Department: 732‑248‑7471
• Detective Redline, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office: 732‑745‑3316