Jacque Sheppard Jr., the cousin of former Real Housewives of Potomac star Monique Samuels was killed in a shooting in Atlantic City, NJ, according to authorities via Page Six.
Sheppard died Friday after “suffering from multiple gunshot wounds,” according to the Office of the Atlantic County Prosecutor.
The 34-year old was pronounced dead at Atlanticare Regional Medical Center City Campus shortly after cops responded to a 911 call about the shooting, according to Page Six. He hailed from Samuels’ hometown of Pleasantville, NJ.
There is an active investigation into the shooting.
Samuels shared the news of her cousin's passing via Instagram. “This hurts so much 💔💔💔💔 Can barely sleep… unbelievable. Please say a prayer for my fam 🙏🏽 My cousin was killed last night. One of the nicest people you’ll ever meet,” she wrote. “He’s always smiling and takes care of everyone. He’s a great dad to his son and minds his business. We live in an evil world where life is not valued anymore and it’s sad. Thank you all for the prayers. My cousins (his sis and bro) need them so badly right now. I don’t even know what to say 😩😭🙏🏽 Whoever did this- I hope you rot in the deepest, darkest pit in hell.”
In a separate lengthy Instagram post, Samuels shared more details about her cousin's passing and also asked her followers to reach authorities if someone has any details about the unfortunate shooting. She also revealed that her family organized a GoFundMe to raise funds for Sheppard’s 13-year-old son as well as for funeral and memorial costs. It had raised $5,785 of the $15,000 goal as of press time.
“Still trying to comprehend what has happened but one thing about my family is when we come together the healing begins. We went to the place where my cousin Tuff (Jacque) took his last breath. We prayed, we embraced, lit candles and we let balloons drift in his memory. Please keep his son in your prayers,” she wrote. “My family has organized a gofundme link to assist with burial costs but most importantly for his son so that we can create a Trust for him. If you feel compelled to give, please do so or simply leave words of encouragement on the site. We appreciate it either way. (Link in bio)”
She continued, “Also, Anyone with information, regarding this fatal shooting is asked to contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at https://www.acpo.org/tips.html and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page. People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County. Thank you to @atlanticcitypd for your diligence.”
She added, “Thank you so much for all of the prayers, messages of encouragement, phone calls and texts. Our entire family is beyond blessed and grateful for the love and support ❤️❤️❤️.”
Photo Credit: Bravo Media/NBCUniversal; Courtesy via Monique Samuels/Instagram
