By: Richard L. Smith
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a person of interest in the fatal shooting of Imam Hassan Sharif, who was killed outside Masjid Muhammad-Newark mosque on January 3. 
Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced that surveillance footage captured a man in the area at the time of the shooting.
Investigators believe his distinctive walk may help identify him.
“This was a senseless act of violence that took the life of a beloved community leader,” Stephens said. “We have been working tirelessly to find those responsible, but we need the community’s help. We hope that releasing this video will encourage someone with any information to come forward.”
To encourage tips, a Crime Stoppers Program reward of up to $35,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
Authorities emphasized that homicide cases remain open until solved, with no statute of limitations on murder.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has a dedicated Cold Case Unit that continuously reviews evidence and pursues new leads in unsolved cases.
Anyone with information about the killing of Imam Hassan Sharif is urged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877 TIPS-4EC (1-877-847-7432).