By: Richard L. Smith
Officials in Newark have identified a woman killed in a violent shooting episode early Tuesday morning in the Vailsburg section. 
Ms. Natasha Ellis, 34, from Newark, was fatally shot when a gunman opened fire on her and at least two others.
The incident, which led to her untimely death, occurred shortly before 12:30 a.m. and was initially detected by a ShotSpotter device after it picked up gunfire near South Orange Avenue and Alexander Street.
Upon arriving at the scene, Newark police discovered shell casings and two gunshot victims, including Ms. Ellis, who was found unresponsive.
She was later pronounced dead by medical personnel.
A third individual was struck by a car while attempting to flee the area as the gunman continued to fire shots. This person's condition has not been disclosed.
As the gunman remains at large, the motive behind this senseless violence is still under an active and thorough investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, which now leads the case.
Authorities are requesting assistance from the public, appealing for any information related to the incident that might help capture the perpetrator.
Residents with any knowledge about the events that transpired are encouraged to come forward to aid in the resolution of this devastating case and to help prevent further violence in the West Ward community.
