Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County grand jury has indicted Samir Thomas, Kelvin Diaz and Luis Ortiz in connection with the fatal shooting of Maria Cruz, 41, of Rockway, N.Y.
Cruz was shot and killed during an attempted robbery of a cockfight in the 100 block of 3rd Avenue in the North Ward of Newark, according to Essex County Assistant Prosecutor Justin Edwab, who is handling the case.
Thomas, 24, of Elizabeth has been indicted on 10 counts, including conspiracy, attempted robbery, felony murder, manslaughter, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and attempted burglary.
Diaz, 31, of Elizabeth has been indicted on seven counts, including felony murder, attempted robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and attempted burglary.
Ortiz, 28, of Newark was indicted on conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit burglary and animal cruelty charges.
The indictment alleges that between June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2014 all three charged individuals conspired to commit an armed robbery of the attendees of the cockfight which was being held in a residence. In the midst of committing this robbery, Thomas shot Cruz, who subsequently died as a result of the gunshot wound.
Diaz is currently being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility. Thomas is in custody in North Carolina and Ortiz is free.
These are accusations. All defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.