Investigation into Fatal Fire in West Orange

Newark, N.J – Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and West Orange Fire Chief Anthony Vecchioannounced today that an investigation is underway into a fatal fire that killed a man on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The fire at 108 Clarken Avenue was called into the West Orange Fire Department at approximately 1 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters…

Newark Man Convicted of 2024 Strangulation of Girlfriend

Newark, N.J. – Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted a Newark man in connection with the 2024 assault of his girlfriend. Kevin Simms, 43, was convicted of second-degree aggravated assault – strangulation of a victim of domestic violence and disorderly persons harassment. Assistant Prosecutor Mattison Monteleone and Assistant Prosecutor…

Jersey City Man Charged with Selling Counterfeit Professional Sports Merchandise

Newark, N.J. – Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Jersey City man has been charged with running a counterfeit sports merchandise operation out his mother’s garage in Lodi. Christopher Patire, 39, is charged with second-degree counterfeiting offenses. On March 11, 2026, at approximately 7:00 a.m., members of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes…

Jury Convicts Man in 2023 Fatal Shooting that Killed Innocent Bystander in Newark

Newark, N.J.-Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted a Newark man in connection with a 2023 fatal shooting that killed a woman and wounded another individual on a Newark street. Altaariq Palmer, 28, was convicted of second-degree passion provocation manslaughter, third-degree aggravated assault, and related weapons offenses. Assistant Prosecutor Daniel…

West Caldwell Man Charged in Fatal Hit and Run

            Newark, N.J.- Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a West Caldwell man has been charged in connection with the fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a woman in Caldwell in January. Angelo Lotrecchiano, 82, of West Caldwell, is charged with second-degree leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death…

Newark Man Convicted in 2021 Fatal Hit and Run Accident

Newark, N.J.- .- Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted Justin Brown, 36, of Newark, of second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, third-degree endangering an injured victim, and third-degree tampering with physical evidence. Assistant Prosecutor Mira Ohm tried the case before the Honorable Patrick Arre, J.S.C.…