By: Richard L. Smith
A violent shooting incident in Newark's Central Ward on Thursday night has led to one fatality and injuries to at least two others, prompting the Essex County Prosecutor's Office to take charge of the investigation.
The incident happened around 9:27 p.m. near Woodland Cemetery, specifically on the 10th Street side near 671 South 10th Street.
Responding to reports of gunfire, police arrived at the scene to find a critically injured, unidentified individual, who was later pronounced dead.
The area was quickly taped off as officers discovered multiple shell casings and detectives began canvassing the area.
While detectives searched the area, University Hospital officials alerted police that two additional victims had arrived at the emergency room with gunshot wounds believed to have been sustained at the same location.
Initial reports indicated that these two victims fled the hospital before police could conduct interviews, though county officials have yet to confirm these accounts.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the motive for the shooting remains under active investigation.
The community is urged to come forward with any information as authorities work to understand the circumstances leading up to this violent encounter.