By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities in Essex County took a man into custody they believe is wanted for a shooting incident that claimed the life of a Newark father on Christmas Day. 
Mr. Marcus Sorbino, 44, is accused of a Christmas Day shooting in 2023 that tragically ended the life of 34-year-old Mr. Ridge Scott Jr. in Newark's South Ward.
Sorbino's arrest on Tuesday, March 19, concludes a months-long 'person search' following the fatal altercation on that fateful afternoon.
RLS Media was on the scene of the incident, which took place around 1:28 p.m. on December 25, and saw Newark police officers and several South Ward units responding to the 300 block of Clinton Avenue.
Upon their arrival, they discovered Scott inside a burning vehicle that had crashed in the midst of a violent shootout.
Eyewitnesses recounted a heavy-set male, later believed to be Sorbino, stepping out of another vehicle and firing multiple shots at Scott's car, resulting in Scott sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
According to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, Scott was rushed to University Hospital but, despite medical efforts, was pronounced dead by 2:01 p.m.
Witnesses last saw the suspect fleeing the scene on foot westbound on Clinton Avenue. Sorbino was eventually captured on South 14th Street.
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced that the Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force is leading the investigation into the motives behind the killing.
Sorbino is currently detained at the Essex County Jail, awaiting a bail hearing, as the community seeks justice for the senseless loss of Mr. Ridge Scott Jr.
