Man who surrendered after long Trenton standoff charged in killing

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Saturday, May 13, 2017
VIDEO: Man who surrendered after long Trenton standoff charged in killing
Watch the report from Action News at 4 p.m. on May 12, 2017.

TRENTON, N.J. -- A man who held officers at bay for 35 hours in a standoff in New Jersey was charged Friday with killing a bystander.

Tyleeb Reese, 35, was charged with murder in the shooting death of Robert Powell Jr., 56, in Trenton, authorities said.

Agents with the U.S. Marshals Service were at Reese's home to serve a warrant for failing to appear in court for a Megan's Law offense, officials said. Reese had prior convictions for criminal sexual contact with a minor and failing to register as a sex offender.

Powell was caught in the crossfire after Reese began shooting at law enforcement Wednesday morning, said Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri. He said Powell was killed by a shot to the back and was also hit in an ankle and his hip.

Powell's wife said they had been married for 30 years and their daughter is expecting her first child.

"I miss him so much," said Antoinette Powell. "I just want him back."

She said she walked past the standoff earlier, unaware that her husband had been injured there.

"He was already dead, and I didn't know," she said.

Reese surrendered Thursday. Mayor Eric Jackson credited Reese's friends and family members for convincing him to surrender without violence. He was evaluated at a hospital before being taken to jail.

Three Mercer County sheriff's officers suffered minor injuries in the shooting and were treated at a hospital. Reese also is charged with five attempted murder and weapons offenses.

It wasn't immediately clear if Reese had an attorney to comment on his behalf.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

No progress on 2nd day of police standoff in Trenton. Nora Muchanic reports during Action News at Noon on May 11, 2017.
Trenton standoff enters Day 2: Katherine Scott reports during Action News at 6:30 a.m. on May 11, 2017.
Daylong standoff continues after fatal shooting in Trenton. Christie Ileta reports during Action News at 11 on May 10, 2017.
Person killed, 2 deputies hurt in Trenton, leading to standoff. Nora Muchanic reports during Action News at 4pm on May 10, 2017.
Person killed, 2 deputies hurt in Trenton; standoff underway. Nora Muchanic reports during Action News at 12:30 p.m. on May 10, 2017.
Police-involved shooting in Trenton: Tamala Edwards reports during Action News at 7:55 a.m. on May 10, 2017.

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