Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Police Director Samuel A. DeMaio announced today that Bridgette Rivera, 21, of Belleville has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Michael Perez, 20, of Newark.

At approximately 7:57 p.m. Perez was shot on Saturday, April 20, in his apartment located in the 300 block of Clifton Avenue in Newark. He died a few hours later at University Hospital.

The preliminary investigation indicates Rivera was handling a handgun that discharged, striking Perez.

Rivera was arrested and charged with manslaughter, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. She is currently being held on $100,000 bail.

The investigation is active and ongoing. No other information is available at this time.