Teen Charged In Chest-Punching Death

A 15-year-old boy died after being repeatedly punched in the chest by an 18-year-old acquaintance, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.

The assault happened in a parking lot on Broadway Boulevard in Pemberton Township, N.J., at approximately 6 p.m. Saturday.

Police say Lavance Gadsden struck Laron Brown multiple times in the chest with his fist, causing him to collapse to the ground.

Brown was pronounced dead upon arrival at Virtua Memorial Hospital in Mount Holly. An autopsy determined he died as a result of heart failure caused by blunt force trauma to the chest.

Investigators say Gadsden was upset that Brown stayed behind when he went to confront a group of teens about an earlier argument.

Gadsden, of the 800 block of Hanover Road, was charged early Sunday morning with reckless manslaughter. Bail was set at $150,000.

Dozens turned out to remember Brown at a vigil held Monday night.

"The outpour of love from our neighborhood, the outpour from my neighbors and I don't live in a great neighborhood but just because I don't live in a great neighborhood does not mean that the people in that neighborhood don't care about themselves or care about other people," said the victim's mother, Paula Elliott.

Pemberton Township Schools has released a statement, saying it's "deeply saddened by the passing of one of our high school students...and extend our sympathies and offer assistance to Laron's family. We will continue to provide counseling services through this difficult time."