Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today the arrest of Travis Hartsfield, 24, of Newark for the murder of his 20-month-old daughter, Asiyah Hartsfield.
The defendant has been charged with one count of murder and is being held in the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark. Bail was set at $750,000 by the Honorable Carolyn Wright, Judge of the Superior Court.
The toddler was in the care of her father at home in Newark when a 911 call came in at approximately 12:43 a.m. yesterday seeking medical attention. The little girl was rushed to University Hospital where she was pronounced dead yesterday at 2:00 a.m.
Following an autopsy, it was determined the toddler died from blunt force trauma. At that point the investigation was turned over to the Newark Police Department and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Squad.
Late yesterday, Hartsfield was charged with murder. A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was taken into custody late last night.
The investigation is active and ongoing. No other details are 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.
