Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that Estol “Hector” Molina, 42, of Newark has been arrested for the murder of Erica Ortiz-Fuentes, 36, also of Newark.
Ortiz-Fuentes, a mother of four, was fatally stabbed in the neck by Molina as she entered The Newark Preschool Council, located at 74 St. Francis Street in Newark, at approximately 7:45 a.m. Workers at the preschool rushed to render aid to the victim. She was transported to University Hospital and pronounced dead at 8:01 a.m.
About two hours later Molina was taken into custody. He has been charged with murder and weapons offenses.
The Honorable Peter J. Vazquez, J.S.C. has set bail at $1 million.
No other information is available at this time.
These are mere accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
