TRENTON, NJ — A Trenton man has been charged in the fatal shooting of his ex-girlfriend and her teenage daughter in a weekend double homicide that shocked the West State Street neighborhood.
Bahin Lynch, 45, is facing two counts of first-degree murder, among other weapons-related charges, following an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Trenton Police Department, officials announced Wednesday.
At around 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 12, Trenton police responded to a residence on the 300 block of West State Street after receiving a 911 call reporting two deceased individuals. Officers arrived to find 13-year-old Jairah Biggs shot in a third-floor bedroom. Her mother, 40-year-old Malika Whiting, was discovered on the stairway leading to the same floor.
Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Lynch is also charged with second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, first-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm. He is currently being held at the Mercer County Correction Center.
Authorities seek public’s help as investigation continues
The prosecutor’s office said it will file a motion to detain Lynch pending trial. The investigation remains ongoing.
Detectives are urging anyone with information to contact MCHTF Detective Scott Peterson at (609) 649-9218 or Sgt. Roberto Reyes at (609) 256-0997. Tips can also be sent via email to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.
Authorities reminded the public that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Key Points
- Bahin Lynch, 45, is charged in the fatal shootings of Malika Whiting and her 13-year-old daughter, Jairah Biggs.
- Victims were discovered Saturday morning at a residence on West State Street in Trenton.
- Lynch is facing multiple weapons charges and is being held pending a detention motion.