Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio announced today that Newark Police and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force arrested Garrett Bryant, 38, of Newark for the murder of Al-Kareem Dunell, 33, of Irvington.
“I applaud the tireless efforts of the members of the Newark Police Department and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task force for their relentless pursuit of justice which culminated in the swift apprehension of a violent and dangerous criminal,” said Newark Police Director DeMaio.
On February 20, 2012, a dispute occurred between the two men and Dunell was fatally shot at approximately 9:35 p.m. at 653 South 20th Street, Newark. He was taken to University Hospital where he died at approximately 10:15 p.m.
Task Force members obtained a warrant for Bryant’s arrest yesterday. He was apprehended today at approximately 6:30 a.m. by members of the Newark Police Department and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force at 74 Willoughby Avenue, Newark without incident. Bail has been set at $500,000 by the Honorable Peter J. Vazquez, J.S.C.
These are accusations. All defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until they plead guilty or are found guilty in a court of law.
