Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today Orlando Barrett, 34, of Orange, who was shot on June 4 in the 100 block of Main Street in Orange, died from his injuries this morning at University Hospital. Barrett had been hospitalized since the June 4 shooting.
Kareem Norman, 23, of East Orange and Asher Vauters, 31, of Orange were originally charged by the Orange Police Department with attempted murder and weapons offenses in connection with the shooting. Those charges will likely be upgraded.
“We are reviewing the facts now and are planning to upgrade the charges to murder,’’ said Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly, director of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit.
At approximately 12:43 am on June 4, Barrett was one of three people shot during a dispute.
Norman was also shot that night along with a 16-year-old girl. She was treated and released to the custody of her parents.
These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they plead guilty or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation is active and ongoing, according to Fennelly. Anyone with information is urged to call the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips line at 1-877-847-7432.
