Mohamed Konate And Lil Tjay: The Full Story Behind The Edgewater Shooting And The Unfinished Legal Saga

The shocking 2022 shooting of rapper Lil Tjay (Tione Jayden Merritt) during an attempted armed robbery in Edgewater, New Jersey, remains one of the most high-profile and dramatic events in recent hip-hop history, with the alleged shooter, Mohamed Konate, facing multiple first-degree attempted murder charges. As of December 2025, the legal proceedings against Konate are still ongoing, leaving the final chapter of this near-fatal incident unwritten, even as Lil Tjay has made a highly publicized return to music and performance. This deep dive explores the full timeline, the profiles of those involved, and the current status of the complex legal case in Bergen County.

The incident, which took place in the early hours of a June morning, quickly escalated from a planned robbery to a violent shootout that left two men wounded and three facing serious criminal charges. The sheer gravity of the charges against Mohamed Konate—three counts of attempted murder—reflects the seriousness of the confrontation that nearly claimed the life of the 22-year-old Bronx rapper.

The Central Figures: A Biography and Profile Breakdown

The narrative of the Edgewater shooting revolves around three primary figures: the victim, the alleged assailant, and the victim's companions who were also charged.

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Tione Jayden Merritt (Lil Tjay)

• Known As: Lil Tjay
• Born: April 30, 2001 (Age 24 in 2025)
• Birthplace: The Bronx, New York, U.S.
• Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter
• Years Active: 2017–present
• Notable Works: "F.N," "Pop Out" (with Lil Durk), "Brothers"
• Shooting Status: Shot seven times in the neck, chest, and arm; underwent emergency surgery and made a full recovery.

Mohamed Konate

• Age: 27 (at the time of the incident)
• Residence: The Bronx, New York
• Criminal Background: Identified as an ex-convict ("ex-con") by authorities.
• Role in Incident: Alleged trigger man and primary suspect in the attempted armed robbery.
• Charges: Three counts of first-degree attempted murder, three counts of first-degree armed robbery, and multiple second-degree weapons offenses.
• Current Status: Awaiting trial in Bergen County, New Jersey.

Antoine Boyd & Jeffrey Valdez

• Role in Incident: Companions of Lil Tjay (Tione Merritt). Boyd was also shot during the confrontation.
• Charges: Both were arrested and charged with second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon after police discovered they were allegedly carrying illegal firearms.
• Status: Charged in connection with the incident, separate from Konate's attempted murder charges.

The Edgewater Incident: A Robbery Gone Wrong

The shooting occurred just after midnight on June 22, 2022, in a parking lot near the City Place shopping center in Edgewater, New Jersey. The location, a popular high-end area, made the violent incident even more shocking to the local community and fans of the rapper.

According to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Mohamed Konate allegedly approached the vehicle occupied by Lil Tjay, Antoine Boyd, and Jeffrey Valdez with the intent to commit an armed robbery.

The situation quickly turned violent. Konate allegedly opened fire, shooting Lil Tjay multiple times—reportedly seven times in total—and also wounding Antoine Boyd.

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In the ensuing chaos, it is believed a member of Lil Tjay's party returned fire, wounding Konate. All three individuals involved in the confrontation were transported to area hospitals for treatment.

The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit and the Edgewater Police Department launched an immediate investigation, which led to Konate's arrest on the most serious charges.

Mohamed Konate’s Attempted Murder Charges and Legal Status

Mohamed Konate was formally charged with three counts of first-degree attempted murder, three counts of first-degree armed robbery, and various weapons offenses. The severity of the charges reflects the potential life sentence he faces if convicted.

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The multiple attempted murder charges stem from the fact that Konate allegedly fired at three people: Lil Tjay, Antoine Boyd (who was also shot), and Jeffrey Valdez (who was present).

Konate was arrested while receiving treatment for his own gunshot wounds at the hospital and was subsequently held in Bergen County Jail.

Crucial 2025 Update: The Case is Still Pending. Despite the high-profile nature of the case and the passage of time since the 2022 incident, there has been no public announcement regarding a plea deal, trial date, or final sentencing for Mohamed Konate as of late 2024 or early 2025. This suggests the complex legal process in Bergen County is still underway, with defense and prosecution likely navigating the serious charges and evidence. The lack of a final disposition means the legal saga remains open.

Lil Tjay’s Unstoppable Recovery and Comeback

The severity of Lil Tjay's injuries was immediately life-threatening. He was rushed into emergency surgery and was reportedly unconscious for a period, with sources close to the rapper expressing grave concern for his survival.

However, the rapper's recovery has been nothing short of remarkable. Within months of the shooting, Lil Tjay was publicly sharing his journey, using social media to update fans and express gratitude for his second chance at life.

His near-death experience became a central theme in his music. He released the single "June 22nd," a powerful, raw account of the trauma and the day that changed his life forever. The song served as both a musical comeback and a therapeutic release.

Lil Tjay has since returned to performing on stage, often removing his shirt to reveal the multiple scars from the seven bullet wounds—a visual testament to his survival and resilience. This public display of his injuries has resonated deeply with fans, making his story a powerful message of overcoming adversity in the music industry.

The Unlawful Weapon Charges Against Lil Tjay’s Companions

Adding another layer of complexity to the incident, Lil Tjay's companions, Antoine Boyd and Jeffrey Valdez, were both arrested and charged with second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.

These charges highlight the legal risks associated with carrying illegal firearms, even in a self-defense situation. While they were victims of an armed robbery, their alleged possession of unlawful weapons resulted in separate criminal charges, further complicating the overall narrative of the Edgewater shooting.

The full legal fallout of the Edgewater incident involves not only the attempted murder case against Mohamed Konate but also the weapons charges against Lil Tjay’s friends, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of that violent night.