The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the death of a black male whose burnt body was found on the 200 block of Rose Street in Newark.
Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino today announced that the body discovered by Newark firefighters this morning on Rose Street in Newark is Melvin Williams, 43, of Irvington. Williams was reported missing two days ago by his girlfriend when he did not come home.
In the pre-dawn hours, Newark firefighters responded to a fire call in the 200 block of Rose Street. While extinguishing the fire, firefighters discovered what appeared to be a human body, lying face down on the ground. Newark Police arrived on the scene at approximately 2:51 a.m. The victim was pronounced dead at 2:57 a.m.
Next of kin have been notified. The investigation is continuing. Investigators are awaiting the results of an autopsy.
