Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones today announced a Crime Stoppers Program reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the persons responsible for the fatal shooting of a teenager in Newark in 2022.
On June 8, 2022, at approximately 11:14 pm, police officers responded to reports of gunfire near 146 Goodwin Avenue in Newark. Upon arrival they found the victim, 18-year-old Nyasia Peppers, suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Peppers succumbed to her injuries at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
Investigators confirm that Peppers was not the intended target of the shooting and was struck by gunfire meant for another individual.
The suspects fled the scene in a stolen blue Toyota C-HR which was later found abandoned near Millington Avenue. Surveillance footage shows two individuals exiting the Toyota and jumping into what appears to be a black Honda Accord before fleeing the area.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877 TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. All calls will be kept confidential.
