Newark, N.J – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced today the arrest of a juvenile in connection with a fatal carjacking in Newark.

The juvenile suspect was taken into custody on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Due to the individual’s age no identifying information is being released at this time.

The juvenile is charged with first-degree felony murder, first-degree carjacking, second-degree vehicular homicide, second-degree knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, third-degree endangering an injured victim, and third-degree theft of a motor vehicle.

On Saturday, April 4, 2026, at about 12:45 p.m., the victim, Jhon Aponte Alarcon, 46, left his vehicle unattended while delivering packages on Bergen Street. The suspect approached the car and jumped inside. The victim held on to the vehicle in an attempt to stop the suspect from driving off.

The vehicle traveled southbound on Bergen Street before crashing into a parked car, causing it to overturn and crush the victim. The suspect then exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.

Aponte Alarcon was taken to University Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

These allegations are merely accusations.  All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The public is encouraged to report any information related to criminal activity by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.  All calls will remain confidential.

Newark, N.J – Essex CountyProsecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced today that a suspect is sought in connection with a suspected fatal carjacking attempt in Newark on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

The Newark Police Division received calls reporting a crash involving two vehicles and a pedestrian on the 800 block of Bergen Street at approximately 12:44 p.m.

Preliminary reports indicate the victim left his vehicle unattended while delivering packages. The suspect then jumped inside the vehicle. The victim held on to the car in an attempt to stop the suspect from driving off.

The vehicle then traveled southbound on Bergen Street before crashing into a parked car, causing it to overturn and crush the victim. The suspect exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.

The victim, Jhon Aponte Alarcon, 46, of Elizabeth, was taken to University Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation.

The public is encouraged to report any information related to this incident by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.  All calls will remain confidential.

Newark, N.J.- Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that an Irvington man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the fatal shooting of a man in 2021, in a case of mistaken identity.

Assistant Prosecutor Brian Pollock and Assistant Prosecutor Christian Marin tried the case before the Honorable Christopher Romanyshyn, J.S.C. who presided over both the trial and the sentencing.

On February 5, 2026, David Parker, 23, of Irvington, was found guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Parker was convicted in the fatal shooting of Prince Sweeney, 35, of East Orange, on August 9, 2021.

The prosecution proved that Parker, his brother Rahman Polen, and two others drove to North Munn Street in East Orange in a stolen sports car, seeking retaliation for the 2017 gang-related shooting of Polen.

Sweeney was walking down North Munn Street when the defendant’s vehicle pulled alongside him. Parker and the other occupants exchanged words with Sweeney before the vehicle drove away. Believing-mistakenly-that Sweeney was a member of the rival Crips gang, Parker who is associated with the Bloods, exited the vehicle and fired 10 rounds from an MP15 rifle. Sweeney was struck once in the chest resulting in his death.

Under the No Early Release Act (NERA), Parker must serve 85 percent of the 40-year sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

The public is encouraged to report any information related to criminal activity by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.  All calls will remain confidential.

DAVID PARKER

Newark, N.J.- Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced today that an investigation is underway into a fatal car crash on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

At approximately 7:29 a.m., the Newark Police Department received reports of a motor vehicle accident involving two vehicles at McCarter Highway and South Street.

The victim, Alberto Coutinho, 56, of Newark, was taken to University Hospital where he was pronounced deceased at 8:02 a.m.

The driver of the other vehicle was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

This incident remains an active and ongoing investigation. No additional information is available at this time.

Anyone with information on this incident 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 remain confidential.

Newark, N.J.- Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Millburn Police Chief Brian Gilfedder announced today that an investigation is underway into a car crash that resulted in the death of a pedestrian in Millburn.

On Friday, March 27, 2026, at approximately 8:42 p.m., the Millburn Police Department received reports of  a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of JFK Parkway and Fineran Way.

The victim, identified as Joseph Francis Andolino, 73, of North Palm Beach, Florida, was transported to Overlook Hospital in Summit, where he was pronounced deceased at 9:49 p.m.

The driver of the vehicle remained on the scene.

This incident remains an active and ongoing investigation. No additional information is available at this time.

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 remain confidential.

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 discovered Sean S. Tracy, 55, in bed in the master bedroom. He was transported to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased at 2:04 p.m.

This remains an active and open investigation. No additional information is available at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident 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 remain confidential.

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 Marco Collemi tried the case before the Honorable Patrick Arre, J.S.C.       

The jury returned its verdict on March 23, 2026, following a three-day trial.

The prosecution proved that on February 27, 2024, Simms and the victim, whose name is not being released, were in a residence they shared with a roommate when Simms punched the victim in the face. He then dragged her off a bed and placed her in a bear hug. They began to wrestle until their roommate separated them.

The victim called 911 and went to retrieve clothes from the bedroom when the defendant grabbed her from behind, placed her in a chokehold, and strangled her, causing her to lose consciousness. She was later transported to University Hospital for treatment.

After the verdict, Assistant Prosecutor Mattison Monteleone said, “This verdict makes clear that domestic violence will not be tolerated. We commend the victim for her bravery in coming forward. We hope this outcome brings her some measure of comfort.” 

Assistant Prosecutor Marco Collemi added, “This outcome sends a strong message to all abusers: you will be held accountable and brought to justice.”

Simms is scheduled for sentencing on May 5, 2026. He faces a sentence of five to ten years in prison.

KEVIN SIMMS

Newark, N.J – Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted an Orange man of first-degree murder in the 2018 fatal stabbing of his ex-girlfriend in Montclair.

Ahigjah Broomes, 29, was convicted of first-degree murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.

Chief Assistant Prosecutor Dawn Simonetti and Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Laprade tried the case before the Honorable Marysol Rosero, J.S.C.    

The jury returned its verdict on Monday, March 23, 2026, following a six-day trial.

The prosecution proved that in the early morning hours of April 27, 2018, Broome stalked Akirah Townes, 20, also of Orange, and ultimately killed her, four months after she ended their relationship.

Townes, a student at Kean University, was with a group of friends on Bloomfield Avenue preparing to leave for a trip to Virginia Beach.  The defendant approached Townes armed with a knife, stabbing her multiple times, even as she tried to escape and friends tried to intervene. The defendant then fled the scene. Townes was transported to St. Joseph’s Medical Center where she was later pronounced deceased.

Following the verdict, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Dawn Simonetti said, “The Townes family has waited eight long years for justice for Akirah, this verdict delivers that justice. We hope it provides the family with some measure of closure.” 

Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Laprade added, “We thank the jury for ensuring justice was served. While no verdict can bring Akirah back, this decision holds the defendant fully accountable for this abhorrent act of domestic violence.”

Broomes is scheduled for sentencing on June 29, 2026. He faces a minimum sentence of 30 years to life in state prison.

The public is encouraged to report any information related to criminal activity by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.  All calls will remain confidential.

AHIGJAH BROOMES

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 Unit executed a search warrant at 45 Home Place in Lodi.

Investigators recovered approximately 1,400 items bearing altered professional sports leagues logos, with an estimated street value of over $62,000.

Patire is accused of manipulating official league logos and incorporating his own branding before selling the counterfeit merchandise through social media and his company’s website, CrisP NYC.  

These allegations are merely accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The public is encouraged to report any information related to criminal activity by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.  All calls will remain confidential.

CHRISTOPHER PATIRE

Newark, N.J.- Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that Andre Higgs, 53, of Watchung, has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2015 murder of his former girlfriend Latrena May, of East Orange.

The Honorable Ronald Wigler, J.S.C., presided over both the trial and the sentencing.

On December 23, 2025, Higgs was found guilty of first-degree murder and second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun-his second conviction and life sentence for this murder.

Following the jury’s verdict, Higgs was also convicted of first-degree unlawful possession of a handgun by a person previously convicted of a crime under the No Early Release Act, as well as second-degree certain persons not to have weapons.

The prosecution proved that on May 1, 2015, Higgs shot and killed the 27-year-old teacher outside her East Orange home. The shooting occurred after May fled from Higgs and flagged down a police vehicle for help. As East Orange Detective Kemon Lee exited his vehicle and approached, Higgs fired multiple shots at May.  Detective Lee returned fire, striking Higgs in the legs.  After the shooting, Higgs barricaded himself inside the residence, where the couple’s then four-year-old daughter was sleeping.

Higgs was sentenced to life in prison for the first-degree murder, which is a 75-year term. Under the No Early Release Act (NERA), he must serve 85 percent of that sentence before becoming eligible for parole. He was also sentenced to an additional 20 years on the weapons convictions.

Higgs was previously sentenced to life in prison in 2017 following his initial conviction for murder. In 2023, the New Jersey Supreme Court overturned that conviction and ordered a new trial, ruling that Higgs’ attorneys should have been granted access to Detective Lee’s internal affairs records and permitted to cross-examine him about prior on-duty shootings.

After sentencing, Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Justin Edwab said, “Andre Higgs has once again been sentenced to life in prison—a consequence fully warranted by his extensive and violent criminal history as well as the brutal and senseless crimes he committed on May 1, 2015.  While no sentence can bring back Latrena May, we hope that knowing Higgs will spend the rest of his life in prison provides the May family with some measure of peace and serves as a solemn acknowledgment of their profound loss.”

The public is encouraged to report any information related to criminal activity by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.  All calls will remain confidential.

ANDRE HIGGS