Pair of killings threatens New Jersey city’s sense of safety

Leaders in Pleasantville are looking for ways to quell the violence and put residents at ease after a pair of killings in less than a week.

Authorities say 22-year-old Najee Thompson was gunned down Wednesday and 36-year-old Sultan Veney was found dead Sunday. Officials don’t have evidence connecting the crimes.

Police Chief Sean Riggin tells the Press of Atlantic City the department needs to do things differently after the two slayings.

The city had no homicides in 2013 and three last year. Those were all in December. Five people have been killed this year in the city of 20,000.

Local NAACP chapter president Olivia Caldwell says it’s a scary time for residents and the crimes speak to a need for more things for children to do.