Shooting Victims Laid to Rest After Violent Night

NEWBURGH – Tabitha C. Cruz, of Newburgh, NY, entered into rest on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Newburgh. She was 20 years old. The daughter of Miguel Cruz and Jeannette Drake, she was born August 15, 1996 in Newburgh.

Tabitha was a 2014 graduate of Newburgh Free Academy. She had dreams of being a veterinarian and continued her education at Vet Tech Institute of Pittsburgh, PA. Tabitha’s love for animals was unconditional. After graduating from college she talked about opening an animal sanctuary. Tabitha was a very loving person so full of life and always saw the good in people. She was very popular and loved by many.

In addition to her parents she is survived by her stepfather Ray Degraffenried; stepmother Tina Durocher; sisters Jaleeya, Madison, Jahnalyse and stepsisters Anastasiah, Da’nayah, Kwanzaa and Kiyajh; brothers Lakeem and Miguel Jr. and stepbrothers Ray Jr., Charles, Kwamane,  Palmis and Daekwan; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.  She was laid to rest last Friday.

The second young woman to be shot and killed during the recent Halloween party in the City of Newburgh was laid to rest on Monday. Omani Free, 18, was gunned down along with Tabitha Cruz, 20. Five others were wounded in the shooting spree that lasted only a few seconds early in the morning at the rented commercial space at 119 Broadway.

Mourners at Ebenezer Baptist Church on Monday said the violence in Newburgh must stop.
Family and friends remembered Free as a loving, caring young lady, who had hoped to attend college majoring in dance.

Nija Johnson, 17, of Newburgh, was arrested in Virginia late last week and is expected to be brought back to New York to face murder charges.