Tabitha Cruz was a resident of Newburgh, New York. She was employed as a cashier at Rite Aid and attended Ulster County Community College with ambitions to become a veterinarian.

On October 30, 2016, Cruz was fatally shot just before 1am at a halloween party inside an industrial building in Newburgh, New York.

Seven people were shot, Cruz and Omani Free died. About 100 people showed up at the party at 119 Broadway, described as an art Gallery. The shooters fled the scene.

A $2,500 reward has now been offered for information leading to the arrest of 17-year-old Nija A. Johnson, who is wanted for second-degree murder. Anyone with information is urged to contact Newburgh Police at 845-561-3131. ^[1]

Two other suspects have been arrested related to the killings.

^[1] Rainier Hamilton and 20-year-old Tyson Oliveira are charged with felony tampering with evidence, while Hamilton is also charged with felony criminal possession of a weapon. ^[1]