For a young New Jersey couple, owning an expensive vehicle cost them more than a pricey car payment. It cost one of them their life.

Dustin Friedland, a 30-year-old lawyer from Hoboken, was walking with his wife to their SUV after a Sunday of holiday shopping at The Mall at Short Hills in New Jersey. The couple was accosted by two suspects who were allegedly attempting to carjack the 2012 Range Rover. The carjacking turned fatal when bullets were fired and Friedland was found shot in the head – likely trying to protect his wife from the shooters. She was not injured, while her husband was later pronounced dead at a local hospital in Morristown.

Pic of Dustin & Jamie Friedland. Mr. Friedland was murdered by black scumbags for a joy ride. #Outrage #tcot pic.twitter.com/CzOFQLy5xP

— Jack Cassady (@CassadyJack) December 18, 2013

The silver SUV was found later in Newark with the only sign of its horrific involvement being a shattered rear window.

The Crime Stoppers program in Essex County is offering a $10,000 reward for any information pertaining to the carjacking that leads to an arrest and conviction of the alleged gunmen.

Widow of NJ mall carjacking victim speaks at his funeral. http://t.co/yydmSfuSHb @NBCNewYork #ShortHillsShooting pic.twitter.com/xlDSkpHBnp

— NewsBellGlobal (@newsbellglobal) December 18, 2013

With this frightening tragedy coming less than two months after the shooting rampage that left gunman Richard Shoop dead in nearby Garden State Plaza, one has to wonder if they should avoid all New Jersey malls. Or is it that these malls are convenient large gatherings of people, as well as prime picking for those targeting the wealthy.

In a world of senseless violence and constant crime sprees, is it safe to set foot out of your own front door? Fate has a twisted sense of humor when the fast-fading chivalrous gesture of a man opening a car door for his wife ultimately ends with him being fatally shot.

That’s one car payment with a price too steep for anyone to pay.

Image via Facebook/Jamie Schare Friedland