On Wednesday night, hundreds came out to Epic Church International in Sayreville, New Jersey to pay tribute to the late Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour, a rising star in the Republican party of the state, reports ABC News. She became the first Black ever elected to the council in the borough.
Members of the community and elected officials lauded Dwumfour for her commitment to serving her community in her brief life.
“Don’t forget what she packed into those 30 years,” said Sheila Y. Oliver, NJ’s lieutenant governor.
Last week, Dwumfour was found shot to death in her car from multiple gunshot wounds just after. She was pronounced dead at the scene and the assailant is still at large.
Sayreville Mayor Victoria Kilpatrick said she was “shocked and saddened” after hearing of Dwumfour’s unexpected passing.
“Beyond her dedication to our community, I can share that she was a woman of deep faith and worked hard to integrate her strong Christian beliefs into her daily life as a person and a community leader,” Kilpatrick said. “On a personal note, I can’t adequately express my feeling of sorrow at the loss of a friend.”
New Jersey Republican Party Chairman Bob Hugin added, “We will remember Eunice for her steadfast dedication to the community, as well as her deep and abiding Christian faith."
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued a statement expressing his shock at Dwumfour’s tragic passing.
“Her career of public service was just beginning, and by all accounts, she had already built a reputation as a committed member of the Borough Council who took her responsibility with the utmost diligence and seriousness,” he wrote. “I send my condolences to Councilwoman Dwumfour’s family and friends, her governing body colleagues, and the entire Sayreville community.”
Per the report, a clear motive for Dwumfour’s death has not been established by law enforcement. Investigators have been scouring every detail of the late Councilwoman’s life in an attempt to piece together what exactly happened.
Middlesex County prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone noted that investigators do not believe that Dwumfour’s death was not linked to any activities happening outside the United States. Also, she said that the FBI is assisting local authorities as they conduct a scientific analysis of the horrific crime.
“This is our No. 1 priority,” Ciccone explained in an interview. “There is no expense being spared. We have all of our detectives working on it.”
Elected into office in 2021, Dwumfour was also a business analyst and part-time emergency medical technician.
Dwumfour is survived by her 12-year-old daughter.
We at EBONY extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour.
