Trenton Remembers Jerry Eure, Sr. on 18th Anniversary of His Death

On November 14, 2007, tragedy struck Trenton when a beloved community member, Jerry Eure, Sr., was murdered in his home. The incident left a profound impact on his family and the wider community, as they reflect on the life of a man who contributed significantly to society.

Eure, at the age of 84, was not only a father and grandfather but also a distinguished veteran and educator. He graduated from West Virginia State College, Rutgers University, and earned a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. His civic engagement was extensive, including memberships in organizations such as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the NAACP. He was an active member of Covenant Baptist Church in Trenton, where he cultivated a strong faith-based community.

Eure also served as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He earned notable military honors, including the World War II Victory Medal, recognizing his honorable service without disciplinary infractions.

On the night before his death, two cousins, Anthony Bethea and William Bethea, broke into Eure’s home. The 17-year-old assailants attacked him, resulting in a brutal murder. The investigation revealed that they robbed him of $600, a laptop, and a cell phone, and fled in his Chevrolet Impala.

The aftermath of the crime highlighted the effectiveness of the Trenton Police Department. Utilizing the stolen phone’s chip, officers tracked the Betheas as they made calls, leading to their arrest. Joseoh Santiago, the police director, commended the detectives for their exemplary work, stating it was the best policing he had witnessed in his 40 years of service.

Community leaders, including Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer and Mercer County Prosecutor Joseph Bocchini, expressed their grief and commitment to seeking justice for Eure. His daughter, Sherri Eure Washington, articulated the family’s pain: “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.”

In court, Anthony Bethea received a 50-year sentence for his role in the crime, while William Bethea was sentenced to 45 years. William’s prior record included 19 arrests from the age of nine, showcasing a troubling history of criminal behavior.

As the anniversary of his death approaches, the community reflects on the loss of Jerry Eure, Sr., a man who extended kindness to those around him, including providing small donations to local youth. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the senseless violence that can shatter lives and families.

In remembering Eure, one cannot help but empathize with the sentiments expressed in Psalm 22: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from hearing me, so far from my cries of anguish?” His legacy continues to inspire those who knew him and those who hear his story.