Passaic, New Jersey is mourning alongside Glen Lyon after the heartbreaking and violent loss of 20-year-old Zhanae McClain, whose life was taken in a fatal shooting on Sunday evening. Loved ones in Passaic are devastated as they grapple with the sudden and tragic death of a young woman described as warm, loving, and full of promise.
According to Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce, officers were called around 5:30 p.m. on November 16 to a home on the 200 block of West Main Street in Glen Lyon after neighbors reported hearing a loud “pop.” When Newport Township Police entered the residence, they discovered Zhanae in a bedroom with a single, clearly visible gunshot wound. She was found unresponsive and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her death was later confirmed through an autopsy performed Monday morning.
A search warrant revealed additional details into the moments surrounding the tragedy. Investigators obtained surveillance footage showing a possible suspect fleeing the home and running toward nearby woods—an area where officers later discovered a Taurus G3C handgun, believed to be the weapon used in the shooting. Detectives questioned a 16-year-old who was in the room with Zhanae when the gunshot occurred, as well as two other men who were in the home, including one wearing an ankle monitor for a prior offense. Authorities say two of the men have since been located.
Police believe this was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing danger to the public, but the investigation remains active as detectives work to determine exactly what happened and who is responsible for ending Zhanae’s life.
For her loved ones in Passaic, the news has brought overwhelming sorrow. Zhanae is remembered as a bright, compassionate young woman whose life was cut far too short. The pain of her loss is felt deeply by her family, friends, and all who knew her, as they mourn not only the tragedy of her death but the future she never got to live.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pennsylvania State Police Shickshinny Barracks at 570-542-4117.
May Zhanae McClain rest peacefully, and may her community find comfort and strength as they seek justice and remember her with love.
