Authorities in Essex County announced today that Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura’s Crime Stoppers Program is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Debra Derrick, a 63-year-old grandmother who was fatally shot on her front porch.
Officials said at approximately 8 p.m. on March 11, Derrick, along with her grandchildren and other family members, gathered to release balloons celebrating her birthday and the birthday of her late twin sister when gunfire rang out on the 200 block of Lehigh Avenue.
Derrick was shot and ultimately died from her injuries.
The homicide investigation is being handled by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. Calls will be kept confidential.