Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that Yvonne Walker, age 45 from Irvington, has been arrested for the murder of 88-year-old Casetta Blunt. The elderly woman was fatally stabbed multiples times in her home on Campfield Street in Irvington by Walker who regularly came to the home to do chores.
Acting Prosecutor Murray said, “The brutal and senseless death of an 88-year-old woman who was best known in the community for tending her garden and being kind to people is an unspeakable tragedy. We are pleased we were able to apprehend the suspect quickly.’’
Irvington Police Director Joseph Santiago said “I want to commend the efforts of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force. Working together we were able to bring a swift resolution to this very tragic situation. The danger posed by this homicide is now in the past. We just want to reassure the residents of Irvington that there is no need for them to be fearful.’’
At approximately 12:25 AM on Thursday, June 16 Irvington Police responded to the home, located at 18-20 Campfield Street, after receiving a report of an elderly woman found unconscious. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The autopsy completed yesterday indicates she died from multiple stab wounds.
Warrants were signed early today charging Walker with murder, felony murder, robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Bail was set at $1 million by the Honorable Donald A. Kessler, Judge of the Superior Court.
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.
