Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II alongside Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda is asking for the public’s help in identifying a person of interest in the fatal shooting of Imam Hassan Sharif in Newark in January 2024.

Imam Hassan Sharif was killed outside the Masjid Muhammad-Newark mosque at South Orange Ave and Camden Street early on the morning of January 3, 2024.

 Surveillance video shows a man in the area at the time of the shooting. The individual has a distinctive walk which investigators hope will aid with identification.

“This was a senseless act of violence that took the life of a beloved community leader. We have been working tirelessly to find those responsible, but we need the community’s help. We hope that releasing this video will encourage someone with any information to come forward.”, said Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II.

A Crime Stoppers Program reward of up to $35,000 is also being offered for any information that leads to arrests in this case.      

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office reminds the public that all homicide cases remain open unless and until they are solved. There is no statute of limitations for murder, meaning these cases are never time-barred. In an effort to bring offenders to justice and offer some measure of relief to homicide survivors, the ECPO maintains a Cold Case Unit within the Homicide Task Force. Dedicated detectives continuously review open files, re-examine evidence, and pursue new leads to solve these cases.

Anyone with information regarding the fatal shooting of Imam Sharif 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.

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.

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II is pleased to announce that a new session of the free domestic violence response initiative, “Sanctuary”, will begin in February (UPDATED, SEE BELOW).

“Sanctuary” is a comprehensive 100-hour training program designed to empower community members to provide crisis intervention and outreach services to victims of domestic violence. The program offers both a basic and an advanced course. Sessions will begin on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, and classes will be held weekly from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. UPDATE: CHANGED TO TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2025, from 6:00PM to 9.00PM.

Since its launch in 2012, more than 700 members of the Essex County community have completed the program and are actively supporting survivors of intimate partner violence.

“Domestic violence is a community issue. It is our hope that through education and collaboration, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for survivors in our county”, said Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II.

Registration starts on February 1st and ends on February 21st. UPDATE: Registration Extended to MARCH 10, 2025.
Applications are available to view and download here:

The Sanctuary Program flyer is available to view and download here:

For more information, please visit our website or call 973-621-4689 during regular business hours.

Congratulations to all those who completed our Crisis Intervention Team training program the week of January 13 at the Newark Police Department Training Facility.
CIT provides law enforcement, 911 dispatchers, EMS, paramedics and mental health professionals with vital training and crisis resolution skills to improve responses to those experiencing a mental health crisis. 45 dedicated individuals took part in this important program.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office (ECPO) is offering a four-week summer internship for high school students that will complete their junior year in June 2025.  The session will run Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. Interns will receive a copy of the schedule on the first day of the program., which will run from Monday, July 7, 2025, and conclude on Friday, August 8, 2025. Interns must attend all sessions. During this interactive four-week internship program, interns will be exposed to a comprehensive curriculum that includes learning about the role and functions of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office; participating in workshops that focus on making positive choices, Internet safety, gang awareness, and substance abuse prevention.  Interns will be introduced to various careers in law, law enforcement, and government.  Interns will also attend educational and cultural trips.

For more information please visit – https://njecpo.org/community-programs/

Nearly 400 middle school students from across Essex County gathered at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark on December 18th for the annual Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Youth Conference. The event aimed to empower young adults with valuable information about community safety, internet safety and positive decision-making. A big thank you to the students and partners who made this event a huge success!

$15,000 Crime Stoppers Reward for Information in 2018 Fatal Weequahic Park Shooting

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II and Essex County Sherriff Armando B. Fontoura today announced a $15,000 Crime Stoppers Program reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for a fatal shooting in Weequahic Park in Newark in 2018.

On the evening of August 6, 2018, 25-year-old Godfrey Jones Jr. was with a female companion in Weequahic Park when he was shot and killed. The female companion stated that two suspects approached them and asked the victim his name. The suspect shot Jones Jr. before he could answer.

Witnesses described the suspects as two Black males. One thin wearing a baseball cap with white lettering. The other heavier set with a full head of hair under a stocking cap. The suspect’s vehicle is reported to be a 2015-2018 four-door Nissan Altima.

Anyone with information is asked 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.

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II and Essex County Sherriff Armando B. Fontoura announced today a $5,000 Crime Stoppers Program reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian in Newark in 2021.

On September 12, 2021, 42-year-old Rajon Collins was hit by a red Jeep Grand Cherokee near the intersection of Avon Avenue and South 18^th Street. The stolen vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it struck Collins. He was later pronounced dead at Rutgers University Hospital.

Surveillance camera footage from the area shows two individuals fleeing from the vehicle after the crash.

Anyone with information is asked 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.

Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Participates in “2024 Practice Area Fair” at Rutgers School of Law

On Tuesday, November 19, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office had the honor of participating in the “2024 Practice Area Fair” at Rutgers School of Law in Newark. Our team showcased the essential role of community service and prosecution in advancing justice and enhancing public safety. They highlighted how a career in prosecution extends beyond the courtroom, focusing on the importance of community collaboration to prevent crime, support victims, and foster trust. Through real-world examples, they inspired students to view prosecution as a rewarding career path that merges legal expertise with a deep commitment to creating a positive impact on both the community and society at large.

“Sanctuary” Program Graduates New Trainees in Domestic Violence Outreach

On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II celebrated the graduates of “Sanctuary,” a key initiative of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy. “Sanctuary” is a 100-hour, free program designed to train community residents to provide essential crisis intervention and outreach services to survivors of domestic violence. Upon completing the program, volunteers will be equipped to offer immediate support to victims and their families through participating programs.

Thank you to all who took part in this important initiative.