Remembering Jerry Eure, Sr.: A Life Cut Short by Violence

Trenton, New Jersey, is marked by a tragic anniversary each year on November 14. On this date in 2007, 84-year-old Jerry Eure, Sr. was murdered in his home on Edgewood Avenue. The crime shocked the community and revealed the dark undercurrents of violence that can affect even the most cherished members of society.

Eure was a dedicated family man, known for his strong character and accomplishments. He earned degrees from West Virginia State College, Rutgers University, and a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. His civic engagement included memberships in various organizations such as the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the NAACP, and the New Jersey Black Issues Convention. Eure also served his community through the Covenant Baptist Church in Trenton and was recognized as an Outstanding Father of the Year.

A decorated veteran, Eure was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps. His service during World War II earned him a highly regarded Victory Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. These accolades reflect his commitment to duty and honor, underscoring the profound loss felt by his family and community following his death.

On the night of November 13, 2007, two teenage cousins, Anthony Bethea and William Bethea, broke into Eure’s home. In a brutal attack, they assaulted him, inflicting fatal injuries with their fists and a pipe before robbing him of $600, a laptop, and a cell phone. The teenagers then fled in Eure’s Chevy Impala, leaving behind a shattered family and community.

The investigation into Eure’s murder was swift. Law enforcement tracked the stolen phone to the Betheas, leading to their arrest. Joseoh Santiago, the police director at the time, commended the detectives involved, calling it the best police work he had witnessed in four decades of service. The community mourned the loss and sought justice for Eure.

Both Anthony and William Bethea received lengthy sentences for their roles in the crime. Anthony was sentenced to 50 years, while William received 45 years. The latter had a troubling criminal history, with 19 arrests from the age of 9 to 17, including burglaries and assaults. The disparity between their youth and the gravity of their actions highlights a complex issue within society.

In the words of Sherri Eure Washington, Eure’s daughter, “We can’t help but feel that these two young men’s selfish, heinous act took away the life of a wonderful, caring, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother.” This sentiment resonates deeply with all who knew Eure and those who continue to feel the impact of his loss.

As the anniversary of his death approaches each year, the memory of Jerry Eure, Sr. serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the senselessness of violence. His legacy as a family man, a veteran, and a community leader remains strong, encouraging reflection on how society can better protect its most vulnerable members. The tears shed for him are not just for his passing but for the lessons learned from a life that embodied integrity and kindness, cut short by an act of brutality.