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 includes detectives from the Newark Police Department, is investigating a fatal stabbing.
Police said on Sunday, Jan. 28, at approximately 2 p.m. Ricardo Valla, 34, of Newark suffered a stab wound at a residence in the 40's block of Jackson Street just after 6 a.m.
According to the Essex County Prosecutors Office, on Monday Jan. 29th, Valla was pronounced dead at University Hospital at 12:53 p.m.
Police charged his girlfriend Ms. Norma Vasquez, 35, also of Newark with aggravated assault Bit upgraded the charge to murder when Valla died.
The investigation is active and ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.