Essex County authorities announced today that Mr. James Lewis, 51, has been arrested in Florida and charged with the murder of Mr. Troy Traynham, 59, of East Orange.
Officials said on Saturday, Sept. 18, Traynham was shot outside his Chestnut Street apartment in East Orange as he helped a friend unload groceries from her car.
Officials said they believe that Lewis shot Traynham and carjacked the woman.
Traynham was transported to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:48 pm, according to police.
Following the fatal shooting, Lewis fled to Florida.
On Tuesday, Oct. 19, he was arrested by Polk County deputies in Florida at a Winter Heaven residence.
The defendant is in custody in Florida pending extradition to New Jersey.
The investigation is active and ongoing.
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 Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. Calls will be kept confidential.
IMAGE: Suspect Lewis is right Image