Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced today that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which included Newark Police detectives, is investigating as a homicide the death of Mr. Rodney O’Neal, 43, of Irvington.
According to a statement released by the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, last night at approximately 8:57 p.m. O’Neal was shot in the 300 block of Schley Street in Newark.
Police say while attempting to flee from the shooter, O’Neal was also struck by a motor vehicle.
EMS rushed Oneal to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 11:05 p.m.
An autopsy will determine the cause and manner of death, but the death is being investigated as a homicide at this time.
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.