2021 News Release

State Police Charge Fifth Suspect in October Double Fatal Shooting at the Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, N.J. - Colonel Patrick J. Callahan and Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced today that the New Jersey State Police have arrested Davon Womack, 23, of Jersey City, N.J. for allegedly organizing the murder of two men in the parking lot of the Meadowlands Racetrack on October 25, 2020. Detectives previously arrested Tariq Gathers, 24, Victor Geslicki, 19, Nyshun Morris, 19, and a 16-year-old male, all of Jersey City, N.J.

On October 25, 2020 at approximately 9:25 p.m., a trooper assigned to Troop “B” Meadowlands Station was patrolling the complex when he heard gunshots in the vicinity of the Meadowlands Racetrack parking lot.  He then observed three males running from the area and enter a dark-colored Audi SUV, fleeing the scene. The trooper attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop, but the driver fled onto State Highway 120 northbound where he struck the cement divider and became disabled. The four occupants fled on foot and were apprehended by troopers shortly after the crash.  Detectives recovered a .38 caliber revolver and a 9mm handgun from inside of the Audi.

During the investigation at the Meadowlands Racetrack parking lot, troopers discovered two men who sustained gunshot wounds inside of an Acura sedan. The passenger, Davonte Scudder, 22, of Paterson, N.J. was pronounced deceased at the scene, and the driver, Brian Astacio, 21, of Paterson, N.J. was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. 

As a result of the ongoing investigation, detectives with the Major Crimes North Unit determined that Womack noticed the victims at the complex and then communicated with the codefendants, who then traveled to the complex parking lot where they allegedly executed the victims. Through various investigative means, detectives discovered that Womack traveled to Miami, FL and was flying back to Newark, N.J. On April 16, detectives along with members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and New York/New Jersey Port Authority Police Department located and arrested Womack at Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Davon Womack was charged with murder (two counts), conspiracy to commit murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. He was lodged at the Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Charges are mere accusations, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.

# # #

Follow the New Jersey State Police online at Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The social media links provided are for reference only. The New Jersey State Police do not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.