By: Tracie Carter
Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, has confirmed that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force is actively investigating a fatal shooting incident involving Mr. Jaquill D. Swain, a 28-year-old Newark resident.
The tragic event unfolded on February 2, just after 11 p.m., when Newark police were called to a shooting on the 100 block of Dewey Street in Newark.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Swain outside the location with a critical gunshot wound to his head. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:32 p.m.
In the same incident, a second victim, a 33-year-old male, also sustained gunshot injuries.
He was rushed to a local hospital, where he is currently being treated for injuries that are not life-threatening.
The deadly shooting in the South Ward community that night significantly strained police resources, resulting in a nearly two-hour delay in response due to a minor bus crash.
The bus, carrying the Arts High School basketball team from a game at Weequahic High School, was involved in the accident. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported on the bus.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward and contact their tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC (1-877-847-7432).
Assurances have been given that all calls and tips will be kept confidential.