Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio announced today the Newark Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Section, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, arrested two homicide suspects this morning.

“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.

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio announced today that an arrest warrant has been issued for Robert Spann, 31,
of Newark.

Spann is wanted by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force and the Newark Police in connection with a shooting homicide that occurred at 84 Brookdale Avenue in Newark.

Following a dispute, on June 26, Jamar Cato, 21, also of Newark was fatally shot on Brookdale Avenue, just a short distance from where Spann resided.

Spann, who uses the nickname “Nut,” is a 5 foot, 6 inch tall black male. He weighs approximately 135 pounds. He is known to frequent the Vailsburg section of Newark.

Spann is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone who sees him is urged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips hotline at 1-877-847-7432 or Newark Police at 1-877-NWK-TIPS.