By: Richard L. Smith
Detectives from the Essex County Prosecutor's Office are investigating a fatal encounter that left a man dead, allegedly at the hands of his stepson, on Sunday.
According to preliminary reports, police were called to the 600 block of Main Street, across from the ShopRite complex, just before noon following reports of a violent altercation.
Residents inside the building told RLS Media that they heard a heated argument between two males followed by screams.
When East Orange police arrived at the scene, they found an unidentified man suffering from severe stab wounds and bleeding heavily.
Our staff later identified the victim as 51-year-old Mr. William "Snatch" Gilliam, who had recently celebrated his birthday on September 22, 2024.
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly of the Essex County Prosecutor's Office confirmed to RLS Media that he was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is in its early stages and remains ongoing.
The suspect, reported to be Gilliam's stepson, has not been formally identified but is currently hospitalized.
His condition has been described as stable.
Gilliam, who had ties to Newark's West Ward, was well-known in the community, having attended both Barringer and West Side High Schools, where he participated in basketball during those times.
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office has yet to release formal charges as the investigation continues.
Stay with RLS Media as we follow this story and update information with the latest.