Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that on Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 detectives from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force arrested Luis Cruz, age 42, of Nutley and charged him in connection with the 9/17/11 hit and run death of Jodi DeSoto, 48, of Belleville. DeSoto is the widow of the late Essex County Superior Court Judge Hector DeSoto.
”This arrest was the result of old fashion police work,” said Acting Prosecutor Murray who commended the ECPO Homicide Task detectives for their outstanding work. The defendant is being held at the Essex Correctional Facility pending arraignment.
Cruz was charged with 2nd degree Vehicular Homicide, 2nd degree Leaving the Scene and 2nd degree Failure to Render Aid. Bail was set at $200,000 by the Honorable Maurice Gallipoli, Hudson County Assignment Judge.
These charges are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they plead guilty or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Photo of suspect:
