Two Newark Gang Members Charged with Murder Amid Ongoing Feud

Tyler Shorter and Amir Canty of the SMM street gang face racketeering and firearm charges, following a year-long investigation.

Morristown, NJ – Two members of the notorious Sex, Money, Murder (SMM) gang have been charged with murder in aid of racketeering, among other crimes, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. Tyler Shorter, 19, and Amir Canty, 20, both from Newark, appeared in federal court on October 25, 2023.

The Main Points

Who: Tyler Shorter, also known as "Money Bags," and Amir Canty, also known as "Blast," are both residents of Newark.
What: They are charged with murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, and discharging a firearm in relation to a violent crime.
When: They made their initial court appearance on October 25, 2023.
Where: Before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte in Newark federal court.
Why: Allegedly part of an ongoing violent feud between their gang SMM and the rival GBlock gang.
How: They were implicated through a combination of investigative efforts, including a year-long investigation involving federal, state, and county agencies.

The Background

Shorter and Canty are purported members of the SMM gang that operates in Newark's Bradley Court Housing Complex, also known as M-Blok. The gang is known for drug distribution, fraud schemes, and violent actions against rival gangs and neighborhoods. Notably, they have used social media and rap music as platforms to establish their dominance and instill fear in rivals and victims.

According to case documents, the charges stem from a year-long violent feud with a rival gang known as GBlock, whose members are connected to the Grape Street Crips. This rivalry escalated after an exchange of provocative and threatening rap music videos between the factions. The victim, Nyshon Anthony, was a rival rapper, and he was allegedly shot and killed by Shorter with Canty's assistance on November 8, 2022.

If convicted, both Shorter and Canty could face a mandatory life sentence and are also eligible for capital punishment.

Credits for Investigation

U.S. Attorney Sellinger praised the comprehensive investigation that led to the charges, involving special agents and task force officers from multiple agencies, including the FBI, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Newark Police Department, among others. The case is part of the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) in Newark, a collaborative effort aimed at combating violent crime in and around the Newark area.

It is crucial to note that the charges against Shorter and Canty are allegations at this point. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.