Eric Andrews, Jr. of New Brunswick performed under the name "E-9."
SOMERVILLE -- Jury selection began Tuesday in Somerset County Superior Court for the trial of two brothers accused in the 2013 fatal shooting of an aspiring rapper at a Franklin Township hair salon.
Zaire Cromedy, 23, of New Brunswick, and his brother, Antwan Cromedy, 31, of Bound Brook have been charged in the Dec. 29, 2013 killing of New Brunswick resident Eric Andrews, Jr., 28, a hip-hop artist who performed under the moniker "E-9."
Eric Andrews, Jr., known as 'E-9,' seen in the video for his son 'Hometown.' The trial will be presided over by Superior Court Judge Robert B. Reed.
Branchburg-based attorney Edward J. Hesketh will represent Zaire Cromedy and New Brunswick attorney Amber Forrester will represent Antwan Cromedy.
Assistant Prosecution Robert Hawkes will try the case for the state.
At approximately 6 p.m. on Dec. 29 at the Nu Trendz Hair Salon on Somerset Street, Antwan Cromedy and Andrews allegedly became involved in an altercation, authorities have previously stated.
During the dispute, Antwan Cromedy allegedly pulled a knife on Andrews and handed a handgun to Zaire Cromedy, telling his brother to shoot Andrews. Zaire Cromedy reportedly fired one shot at Andrews, according to authorities.
Arriving officers and Emergency Medical Personnel performed CPR on Andrews at the scene. He was then transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Trauma Center in New Brunswick, where he was pronounced dead, authorities previously stated.
Father of slain rapper heartbroken
The two were identified as suspects after detectives followed several leads and interviewed dozens of witnesses, authorities have said.
Both brothers have been indicted on first-degree murder, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a handgun.
Antwan Cromedy has also been charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon - a knife.
Andrews was part of a rap duo along with longtime friend George Opoku, also known as 6FO. The up-and-coming pair had been scheduled to perform at SOB's in New York and had previously performed alongside prominent artists, including hip-hop superstar Waka Flocka Fame, for the song "M.O.N.E.Y."
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.