Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio announced today that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force and the Newark Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in a Feb. 26, 2013 robbery and a subsequent attempted robbery and homicide.
A composite sketch of the suspect is attached.
The robbery occurred in the vicinity of 265 Market Street in Newark. A male with shoulder length dreadlocks believed to be in his early 20s approached the victim brandishing a handgun and demanded the victim’s belongings. The suspect then fled on foot going north on Mulberry Street from Market Street.
Approximately 15 minutes later, a suspect matching that same description, fatally shot a victim in an apparent robbery attempt in the area of Broad and Camp Streets also in the city of Newark.
In the second incident, the suspect is believed to have fled in a silver or light color Ford Thunderbird, possibly a 1989 to 1997, similar to the one in the attached photo. The vehicle is believed to have a sunroof and is missing the left front hubcap. That vehicle was last seen traveling southbound on Orchard Street towards Thomas Street.
The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.
The victim of the homicide was a 26-year-old Newark resident working two jobs at Newark airport. He was waiting for a bus home after leaving work when he was fatally shot.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force by calling 973-621-4568 or by calling the Essex County Sheriff’s Department Command Center at 973-621-4111.
Up to $2,000 in reward money is available to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest and conviction. All calls will be kept strictly confidential.
