35-Year-Old Galloway Township Man Who Fatally Shot Man While Out On Bail Awaiting Sentencing Indicted
Thursday, June 27, 2024, 9:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
PLEASANTVILLE, NJ.- On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, a 35-year-old Galloway, New Jersey man who was released from jail pending sentencing on a prior gun charge, was indicted on charges of murder and weapons offenses, for fatally shooting a 38-year-old man inside a Pleasantville, New Jersey apartment on May 9, 2024.
According to Atlantic County Prosecutor William E. Reynolds, on Tuesday, a Grand Jury sitting in Atlantic County, New Jersey returned an indictment charging Kalief Lyons, 35, of Galloway Township, on the charges of first-degree Murder; second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose; second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon; and second-degree Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons.
The indictment stems from an incident that unfolded on May 9, 2024, when at just around 11:00 p.m., members of the Pleasantville Police Department responded to a ShotSpotter Activation for multiple gunshots in the area of 9 West Pleasant Avenue in Pleasantville.
Upon arrival, Police Officers found Baseem Taliaferro, 38, inside the first-floor apartment of 9 West Pleasant Avenue, with a gunshot wound to his chest. Mr. Taliaferro was pronounced deceased at the scene.
During the investigation, a witness stated to investigators that an argument had occurred between Lyons and several other people in the area of 9 West Pleasant Avenue just around twenty minutes before the shooting. Following the argument, Lyons left the area, but video surveillance footage of the area captured Lyons walking to the rear of 9 West Pleasant Avenue wearing a ski mask. Lyons was then observed walking away from the area, just two minutes after gunshots rang out and without wearing the ski mask.
"The rules of the court requires us to include a statement, that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt."
FILED UNDER: JUNE 27, 2024: LAW, LOCAL, ATLANTIC: