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Authorities Arrest Man for Setting Fatal Newark Fire

Newark

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose announced today that Harold Greene, Jr., 47, of Newark has been arrested and charged with the murder of Paul Hook, 56, also of Newark.

According to police, on Tuesday, June 13 firefighters responded to a report of a fire in the basement at 756 Clinton Avenue in Newark at approximately 7:51 p.m.

While putting the fire out, they found an unresponsive man.

The man, later identified as Hook, was rushed to Saint Barnabas Medical Center.

Authorities said on Wednesday, June 14, Hook was pronounced dead at approximately 8:39 p.m.

Members of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force responded to the scene because the preliminary investigation indicated an accelerate may have been used to start the fire.

Yesterday Greene was charged with murder, aggravated arson, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

The investigation is active an 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.

These are accusations. The defendants is presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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