Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino today announced the arrest of Nadiyah Venable, 20, of Irvington for the murder of Sharon Moens, 29, Newark.
Law enforcement authorities are also seeking an unidentified male in connection with this homicide, according to Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas S. Fennelly.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation,’’ said Fennelly.
Venable has been charged with criminal homicide, felony murder, burglary and weapons charges.
She is being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility.
On Saturday, May 15, 2010 at approximately 12 noon, Newark Police officers responded to a call of an injured person at 449 Prospect Avenue in Newark. The victim, Moens, was discovered with multiple stab wounds, bleeding profusely. She was taken to the University of Medicine and Dentistry Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 1:05 p.m.
It is alleged that Venable and an unidentified male came to Moens’ apartment to confront Moens. Venable, who is pregnant and apparently had a romantic relationship with Moens’ husband, allegedly threw a substance in Moens’ face. A scuffle ensued and Moens was stabbed multiple times.
Venable and the unidentified male fled the scene in a green Ford Explore SUV. The next day around 9:30 a.m. Venable, who owned the car, went to the East Orange Police department to report the vehicle stolen. East Orange Police took her into custody.
Bail for Venable has been set at $750,000 by the Honorable Rachel Davidson. The arraignment date has not yet been set.
These charges are mere accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
