Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced today that Fraynned Ramirez, 26, of Hartford, Connecticut has been charged with murder, felony murder and robbery in connection with the murder of Rutgers student Shani Patel, 21, of Toms River.
Authorities said Ramirez is wanted and remains at large. He is presumed to be armed and dangerous.
Last week Marcus Feliz, 25, of Newark was charged with murder, felony murder and robbery in connection with Patel’s murder. He is currently being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility. His bail was set at $750,000.
The Honorable Michael Nelson, Judge of the Superior Court, set bail at $750,000 for Ramirez as well.
Feliz and Ramirez are not students at Rutgers University.
Patel was fatally shot at his Central Avenue off campus apartment on April 10.
The Essex County Sheriff’s Crimestoppers Program is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of this suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.
These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.