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Aspiring rapper killed over a dice game, prosecutor says

Zaire Cromedy was friends with Eric Andrews, Jr., Somerset County Assistant Prosecutor Robert Hawkes said.

SOMERVILLE -- The trial of two brothers accused in the 2013 fatal shooting of an aspiring rapper at a Franklin Township hair salon began Monday in Somerset County Superior Court with Assistant Prosecutor Robert Hawkes calling the murder "senseless."

Hawkes made his remarks during the opening arguments of the trial of Zaire Cromedy, 23, of New Brunswick, and his brother, Antwan Cromedy, 31, of Bound Brook. The pair have been charged with first-degree murder 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.) not so much as lost his life, but he had it taken away senselessly," said Hawkes. "He died because of a measly bet over a dice game."

Branchburg-based attorney Edward J. Hesketh is representing Zaire Cromedy and New Brunswick attorney Amber Forrester will represent Antwan Cromedy.

Hawkes told the jury that at approximately 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, at the Nu Trendz Hair Salon on Somerset Street, the brothers, Eric Andrews, Jr., Eric Andrews, Marshall Kelton, Robert Byrum and several others gathered at the salon and barbershop to watch NFL football games. The salon was a regular gathering spot on Sundays, he said.

On this Sunday, the group had gathered to watch the San Francisco 49ers play the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Hawkes.

While some were watching the game, Antwan Cromedy, Eric Andrews, Jr. and others were allegedly in the front of the salon playing a dice game. Eric Andrews, Jr. was the "bank;" the person who held the money, said Hawkes.

Father of slain rapper heartbroken

At one point, Antwan Cromedy reportedly demanded his money from Eric Andrews, Jr., said Hawkes. An altercation ensued and Antwan Cromedy allegedly pulled a knife on Eric Andrews, Jr. and handed a handgun to Zaire Cromedy, telling his brother to shoot Andrews. Zaire Cromedy reportedly fired one shot at Eric Andrews, Jr., according to authorities. Hawkes said Zaire Cromedy and Eric Andrews, Jr. were friends.

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.

Eric Andrews, Jr. 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.


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