New Jersey

Student Killed in Birthday Party Shooting to Receive Posthumous Degree From Stockton University

A New Jersey university will posthumously award a bachelor's degree to a student who was shot and killed at a birthday party over the weekend.

The Press of Atlantic City reports Stockton University will award 35-year-old Nikita Cross a bachelor's degree in social work at its commencement ceremony on May 15.

Mary Beth Sherrier, assistant dean of Stockton's School of Social and Behavioral Science, says the Galloway Township woman was passionate about helping others.

Cross' brother, Darnell Ganges, says she would have been the first person in her family to graduate from college.

Authorities say 42-year-old Darren Winningham fired his gun during a party in his Riverside home on Saturday, killing Cross. He appeared in court on Monday on murder and weapons charges.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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