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.
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.
