Two Die in East Orange Fire

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray along with East Orange Police Chief William C. Robinson and East Orange Fire Director Charles Salley announced today the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, with assistance from local officials, is investigating the fatal fire that took the life of 55-year-old Willie Neal Springfield and her 3-year-old grandson, Shaquan Brown.…

Three Essex County Employees Charged With Theft of Gasoline

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that three Essex County employees working in the Parks Department were charged with third degree theft and conspiracy to commit theft. The three employees are maintenance repairer Albert Maldonado, 40, of Elizabeth; coordinator of maintenance services, Rocco Gonnella, 44, of Toms River; and laborer Jimmie Pettus,…

Newark Man Indicted for Murder of 18-Year Old

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County Grand Jury has indicted Raymond White, 26, of Newark for first degree murder and two second degree weapons possession charges in the death of Hameek Thomas, 18, of Orange. On August 31, 2011, at approximately 10 p.m., Thomas was shot in the…

Newark Man Found Shot in Newark’s South Ward

Acting Prosecutor Carolyn Murray and Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio announced today that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Task Force and Newark Police Department are investigating an early morning homicide in Newark’s South Ward. Abdullah Parrish, 26 of Newark was fatally shot in the area of 661 Frelinghuysen Avenue at approxmiately 1 am this…

Man Enters Guilty Plea in Maplewood Homicide

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that John Staten, 32, of Orange plead guilty yesterday to aggravated manslaughter and weapons offenses for killing 27-year-old Arthur Downey, III, at his Maplewood home. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Staten will be sentenced to 18 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on…