Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced that on December 17, 2010 an Essex County Grand Jury returned a three count indictment against Danielle Johnson, 27 of East Orange, for the April 12, 2010 murder of Andre Austin, 23 of East Orange.

At approximately 3 a.m. on that date, Newark Police responded to a shots fired call. Austin was found dead by the officers in the driver’s seat of a car on Tremont Avenue in Newark. He had been shot in the chest. Johnson was uninjured and in the car with Austin when Newark Police arrived on the scene. She was taken into custody and later charged with Austin’s murder.

Johnson is charged with first degree murder and two weapons offenses of second degree.

These criminal charges are mere accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today Danielle Johnson, 27, of East Orange was arrested and charged with the murder of Andre Austin, 23, of East Orange.

At approximately 3 a.m. today Newark Police responded to a shots fired call. Austin was found dead by the officers in the driver’s seat of a car on Tremont Avenue in Newark. He had been shot in the chest.

Johnson was uninjured and in the car with Austin when Newark Police arrived on the scene. She was taken into custody and later charged with Austin’s murder.

Bail was set by the Honorable Peter Vazquez, JSC, in the amount of $300,000.

Next of kin has been notified. The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Essex County Prosecutor Homicide Detective Jose Ramirez at 973-621-4586 or Newark Police Detective Lydell James at 973-733-5400.

These are mere accusations. Defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.