Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert Laurino announced the arrest of Jamal Abdul Silvera, 21, of 115 South Clinton Street, East Orange for Felony Murder in connection with the death of James Callaway, 63 of Maplewood.
At 9:50 a.m. this morning, Silvera used physical force and carjacked a West Orange Township employee who was operating a municipal vehicle (black Ford Explorer) at a Municipal garage on Lakeside Street. A short time later the West Orange Police spotted the vehicle and pursued it into East Orange. The carjacked vehicle drove on the sidewalk and struck Mr. Callaway, a church trustee, as he was exiting a side door of Saint Marks AME Church at 587 Springdale Avenue, near the corner of Glenwood Avenue. After striking Mr. Callaway the suspect continued driving, with officers from West Orange and East Orange Police Departments in pursuit. The suspect’s vehicle crashed at Freeway Drive by Evergreen Street in East Orange, where the suspect was apprehended by officers after a brief foot chase in a parking garage.
Mr. Callaway of Maplewood was transported to East Orange General Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries at 11:13 A.M.
The Suspect, Jamal Abdul Silvera was arrested and charges will be filed by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. Jamal Silvera is facing multiple charges, including Felony Murder.
The investigation is being conducted by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Homicide and Vehicle Homicide Units, also The Essex County Prosecutor’s Professional Standards Bureau, West Orange Internal Affairs and East Orange Internal Affairs, as in all police pursuits that result in serious bodily injury or death.
These charges are mere accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
UPDATE: Bail was set at one million dollars for the suspect (Jamal Abdul Silvera) by the honorable judge Peter Vasquez.
