By: Jeff Sommes
Essex County officials are investigating a deadly shooting that happened in the early hours of Sunday morning. 
Authorities in Irvington Township were called to investigate reports of a shooting incident at a residence on Melville Place.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:32 a.m. when Irvington police officers responded to emergency calls about a man being shot.
Upon arrival, they found 61-year-old Mr. Oliver A. Francis from Brooklyn, NY, suffering from a gunshot wound.
Francis was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:18 a.m.
The investigation remains active, with detectives working to piece together the events that led to the violent shooting.
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, confirmed that the investigation is being handled by the Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force in collaboration with local Irvington Police detectives.
Details about potential suspects or the circumstances surrounding the incident have not been disclosed as the investigation continues.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has not released any additional information but is urging anyone with knowledge about the incident to come forward.
Witnesses or individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s tip line at 877-847-7432 to assist with the ongoing investigation.