A Galloway Township man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for the fatal 2019 shooting of a man outside the Atlantic City mayor’s home. The case, which drew widespread attention due to its proximity to political leadership and the shocking nature of the crime, concluded with the sentencing of Ibn Collins, 31, for the killing of Shakur Garner, 30.
The incident occurred on September 22, 2019, when Garner was gunned down outside the residence of then-acting Mayor Marty Small Sr. on North Massachusetts Avenue.
Authorities confirmed that while the mayor and his family were not targets of the attack, the location of the crime made it especially alarming for city residents and officials alike.
The Fatal Shooting Outside Mayor’s Home
According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Collins approached Garner during a confrontation in the neighborhood and opened fire in broad daylight, shooting him multiple times before fleeing the scene.
Surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses played a pivotal role in tracking Collins and piecing together the events of the afternoon.
Garner was rushed to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The senseless violence stunned the community and led to a swift investigation spearheaded by local and county law enforcement agencies.
Prosecutors described the shooting as an “ambush” that was both calculated and deliberate, showing no regard for human life or public safety. Detectives later found forensic evidence, witness testimony, and digital surveillance that pointed directly to Collins as the shooter.
Conviction and Sentencing Details
In 2024, after a full trial, Collins was convicted of several charges, including:
- First-degree murder
- Unlawful possession of a handgun
- Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
The presiding judge sentenced Collins to 45 years in New Jersey state prison, with a requirement that he serve at least 38 years before becoming eligible for parole. Prosecutors emphasized that the sentencing sends a strong message that gun violence, particularly in public and residential areas, will not be tolerated.
“This was a cold and calculated killing in a densely populated area,” said Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds. “The sentence ensures Mr. Collins will not threaten public safety for decades to come.”
Reactions from the Community and City Officials
The high-profile nature of the murder shocked Atlantic City residents, particularly due to its proximity to the home of Mayor Marty Small Sr., who had recently assumed the mayoral position at the time.
Although there was no indication that the mayor or his family were intended targets, the incident highlighted concerns about neighborhood safety and violent crime in the city.
Mayor Small expressed his condolences to the Garner family and praised the work of law enforcement.
“This tragedy happened far too close to home—literally. My heart goes out to the victim’s family. I commend the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office and the local police for their diligent work in ensuring justice was served.”
Family members of Shakur Garner were present during the sentencing. They expressed relief that the legal process had come to a close but shared their grief over the loss of a loved one whose life was taken too soon.
One relative said, “There’s no sentence that can bring Shakur back, but knowing his killer will be behind bars brings some peace.”
Ongoing Gun Violence Challenges in Atlantic City
While the case has concluded, the issues it brought to light remain relevant. Atlantic City, like many urban areas, continues to grapple with gun violence, gang activity, and drug-related crime.
The murder of Shakur Garner was one of several deadly shootings in 2019, sparking calls for reforms and improved community safety efforts.
In response, city officials and police have implemented a series of changes, including:
- Expanded surveillance camera networks in high-crime areas
- Increased police patrols and neighborhood engagement programs
- Collaborations with community leaders and nonprofits to address the root causes of violence
Since 2020, Atlantic City has seen a slight decline in violent crime, but officials stress that more work is needed to sustain those improvements. Cases like Collins’ highlight the ongoing risk faced by residents in certain neighborhoods, even near homes of public officials.
Conclusion: Justice Served, But Questions Remain
The sentencing of Ibn Collins brings closure to a tragic event that deeply impacted Atlantic City. While justice has been delivered in the legal sense, the broader issues surrounding urban violence and community safety remain pressing concerns for residents, law enforcement, and city leaders.
Collins will now serve the majority of his life behind bars, unable to endanger the community again. Meanwhile, the city continues its push toward creating safer streets, improving policing practices, and restoring public trust.
As Atlantic City moves forward, the 2019 killing of Shakur Garner remains a sobering reminder of the work still needed to prevent similar tragedies.
For more coverage on this case and other legal updates, visit the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.