Essex County officials announced today that Mr. Joshua Wise, 28, of Newark has been arrested and charged with the murder of Mr. Johnnie Lattner, 55, also of Newark.
Police say on Monday, Aug. 17, the victim was discovered unresponsive at his home on Mt. Pleasant Avenue in Newark.
The death was initially considered suspicious but was later ruled a homicide following the autopsy.
The suspect, who knew the victim, has been charged with murder, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
Yesterday, Wise was arrested. He is 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, is handling the active and ongoing investigation.
These are accusations.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.