NEWARK – The long Fourth of July holiday weekend proved fatal for three people in the states largest city.
Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced July 4 that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police are investigating three city homicides.
On July 3, Laquan T. Nowlin, 32, of East Orange was fatally shot in the area of Sandford and Lanark Avenue in Newark. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:50 p.m.
The victim was employed as a juvenile detention officer at the Essex County Youth Detention Center. At this time there is no indication that the homicide is connected to his employment.
On Saturday, July 4, two people were fatally shot in the 100 block of Brookdale Avenue. The victims have been identified as Nekeya Grady, 36, of Willingboro and Earl Cohen, 46, of Newark. They were both pronounced dead at the scene at 2:58 pm.
Both investigations are active and ongoing. No arrests have been made.
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.
