Essex County authorities announced that Ms. Latysha Simmons, 29, of Newark has been arrested and charged with murder in the stabbing death of Mr. Darien Wharton, also 29 of Newark.
Authorities said it is alleged that Simmons fatally stabbed Wharton during an altercation at his home on the 400 block of University Avenue on Saturday, June 12.
According to authorities, Wharton was transported to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 11:29 pm.
Simmons was subsequently charged with murder. In addition to murder, Simmons is charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
She is currently being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department, ishandling the investigation
These are accusations. Ms. Simmons is presumed innocent unless and until she enter a guilty plea or is found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.