“I congratulate all the detectives for an outstanding job in apprehending two suspects wanted in connection with these murders. The detectives worked tirelessly to ensure that these suspects were captured and will be prosecuted for the crimes they committed,” said Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio.

Rashad Ziegler, 24, of Newark was taken into custody and is being charged with the murder of Cleavon Washington, 27, of Newark. Washington was fatally shot on Brookdale Avenue near Abinger Place on Dec. 29, 2011. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force obtained a murder warrant for Ziegler last week. He was taken into custody today.

Robert Spann, 31, of Newark was also taken into custody by the Newark Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Section and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force this morning. Spann was wanted for the June 26, fatal shooting of Jamar Cato, 21, also of Newark. The shooting occurred on Brookdale Avenue in Newark. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force obtained a warrant for Spann on June 29.

Both suspects are being charged with murder and weapons offenses. These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they plead guilty or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.