Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, the ECPO Arson Unit and the Newark Fire Department are actively investigating a fatal fire in the city of Newark.
The victim has been identified as Sharon Horne, 44, of Newark. Ms. Horne lived in the home in the 200 block of Renner. The preliminary investigation indicates the fire started in the basement. Ms. Horne’s clothing was ignited. It appears the victim came running out of the house and made her way to the sidewalk, where residents attempted to smother the flames with clothing. The building did not sustain any damage from the fire.
She was initially transported to University Hospital in extremely critical condition. From University Hospital, she was transferred to Saint Barnabas Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at 2:52 p.m.
The investigation is active and ongoing. No other information is available at this time.
