A quiet South Jersey community is reeling after a high school junior was fatally shot in what authorities describe as a premeditated ambush carried out by three local teenagers.
Seventeen-year-old Lucas DeGeorge, a junior at Buena Regional High School, was tragically killed on the night of Saturday, May 17. According to the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, DeGeorge was lured to a specific location in Millville by three juveniles—two of whom allegedly opened fire on him. After being shot, DeGeorge lost control of his vehicle and crashed on Church Street. He was later pronounced dead at Inspira Medical Center Vineland.
The three suspects, whose names have not been released due to their ages, are now facing serious charges including:
- First-degree murder
- Aggravated manslaughter
- Robbery
- Conspiracy to commit robbery
- Various weapons offenses
Prosecutors allege the teens devised a plan to ambush and shoot DeGeorge, then fled to one of their homes following the attack.
Community Mourns the Loss of a Promising Life
The news of DeGeorge’s death sent shockwaves through Millville and neighboring Buena. Friends and teachers described him as a bright, ambitious student with a passion for soccer, sneakers, and cars. His family said he was an honor roll student with dreams of building a future for himself.
A GoFundMe page was launched to support the family with funeral expenses. Within days, community members had raised thousands of dollars, with many leaving heartfelt messages in memory of the young teen.
The Investigation and Legal Action
The Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office continues to lead the investigation, with assistance from the Millville Police Department. Authorities have not disclosed the motive behind the attack but confirmed it was a planned ambush.
All three juveniles have been taken into custody. Due to the gravity of the charges, it’s possible they may be tried as adults, although no official statement has been made on that yet.
Detectives are still piecing together the full timeline of events leading to the shooting. They are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Tips can be submitted to Detective Robert Vit of the Millville Police Department at 856-825-7010 or Detective William Parker III of the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office at 856-453-0486.
A Harsh Reminder for Parents and Communities
This case is now being viewed not only as a criminal tragedy but also as a stark reminder of growing concerns around youth violence and firearm access. Community leaders and school officials are urging parents to talk with their children about peer pressure, conflict resolution, and the deadly consequences of impulsive decisions.
Counseling services have been made available to students at Buena Regional High School, and a candlelight vigil for DeGeorge is scheduled for this weekend.
As the town of Millville mourns the loss of a young life full of potential, investigators continue to build a case against the teens responsible. For now, the tragedy stands as yet another chilling example of how violence among youth can erupt in even the most close-knit communities.