A New Jersey man accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend and escaping to Delaware allegedly had a violent dispute with her before killing her with her children present in their East Orange home, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
According to the affidavit, Darian Ficklin, 29, shot Shalamar Brown, 44, at 15 North 16th St. on June 29. A witness told cops that before the bullets were fired, Ficklin accused Brown of cheating on him and then hit her, leaving her with a black eye.
After Ficklin exchanged profanities with a witness, Brown informed her that Ficklin had a gun in his shorts, prompting her to “retreat” and close the door. According to the affidavit, Ficklin shot the weapon “six or seven” times through the door, striking Brown.
“The killer shot several times to ensure Shalamar would not survive, leaving the children traumatized beyond words,” a GoFundMe page created by Brown’s sister says.
The affidavit states that weeks before the event, a witness overheard Ficklin on the phone threatening to “kill all of them,” referring to Brown’s family.
Ficklin ran to Delaware after the shooting and was chased for more than an hour before being caught by New Jersey State Police on the New Jersey Turnpike, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Brown was declared deceased while undergoing surgery at University Hospital.
According to court records, Ficklin has been charged with first-degree murder and criminal attempt, as well as second-degree unlawful possession of a pistol without a permit and firearm possession for an unlawful purpose. He is currently being imprisoned at Essex County Jail.
“Shalamar was a charming young woman who was deeply loved by her children and family,” the GoFundMe page says. “She lit up every room she entered, freely sharing her joy. Her zest for life made this tragedy all the more painful for those left behind.”
“Now, her absence leaves a void even laughter cannot fill. Her hopes and dreams were thrown away because a coward with a gun and the mind of a maniac couldn’t face rejection.”
According to the GoFundMe page, Brown’s services are scheduled for July 11.
