Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Police Director Eugene Venable have announced that authorities are investigating two fatal shootings in Newark, NJ late Friday night and early Saturday morning.
The first incident occurred at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Friday, in the 100 block of Riverside Avenue. Newark police officers were dispatched to the area on report of a shooting. Arriving officers observed a male lying in the street suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim, who has been identified as Tyquil Whitehead, age 18, of Newark, was transported to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:51 p.m.
The second incident occurred shortly before 2:00 a.m. today in the 200 block of Elizabeth Avenue when two males were shot outside a restaurant at this location. One victim, who has been identified as Napolean Williams, age 33 of Newark, was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:08 am. The second victim, who is not being identified at this time was transported to University Hospital, where he was admitted in stable condition.
Both incidents are being investigated by the Essex County Prosecutor's Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department. Both investigations are ongoing at this time, according to Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas S. Fennelly of the Prosecutor's Homicide Unit. The incidents do not appear to be related, according to Fennelly. Anyone with information is asked to contact Task Force detectives at (877) 847-7432 or (973) 621-4586.
Photo of Whitehead obtained from Facebook.