Jaiden Perez
Charzena Perez wants answers more than a month after her son died from wounds he suffered in a shooting last year.
Jaiden Perez, 19, was one of two men shot Nov. 16, in Atlantic City's Renaissance Plaza.
He suffered traumatic injuries but held on for nearly a month, as his mother stayed by his side in the hospital.
Then, on Dec. 14, Jaiden Perez died.
"My son got his (wings)," his mother wrote in a Facebook post, using an emoji. "My baby fought until his last breath."
Charzena Perez now wants to know who took his life.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office has not yet put anything out about the death, but confirmed the investigation to BreakingAC. A news release is expected to follow at some point Tuesday.
"I would do anything to help find who did this to my son," Charzena Perez told BreakingAC. "I wouldn't wish this pain on my worst enemy."
She said her son was proud to have continued his education, receiving his Microsoft certification at the Ideal Institute in Pleasantville.
"Jaiden was a vibrant young man whose warmth, kindness and passion for life touched everyone who knew him and always brought happiness to those around him," his mother said.
"Jaiden brought joy and light to everything," she said. "The way he lit up any room, embodying the essence of fun and laughter. That was just him."
He leaves behind three brothers.
The shooting happened in the 1500 block of Atlantic Avenue just before 9 p.m. Nov. 16. A witness told BreakingAC at the time that they heard seven shots.
First-responders were seen working on Perez at the scene.
A 24-year-old Ocean City resident was found wounded in the 100 block of North Tennessee Avenue. His injury was not considered serious.
The Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation with Atlantic City police.
Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes at 609-909-7666. Information may also be texted anonymously to tip411 (847411), beginning the text with ACPD.
