Former Caldwell Resident Shot and Killed in Newark

Two men were killed early Saturday morning in two separate, unrelated shootings in Newark, according to authorities.

Essex County Chief of Detectives Anthony Ambrose said the first incident occurred around 1 a.m. at 311 Woodside Ave. in the city's North Ward. Newark police responded to a car accident at that address and found Frank Caroselli, 34, of Caldwell, shot multiple times in his Range Rover, according to the chief. Ambrose said Caroselli's SUV had collided into a parked car after he was shot.

Caroselli was transported to University Hospital in Newark, where he died around 1:30 a.m., according to Ambrose.

Though authorities said Caroselli lived in Caldwell, residents at his last known address said they did not know him and he did not live there. A call placed to his phone number came back disconnected. Caldwell police said they were unaware of the shooting.

Attempts to locate his mother, Carol, who also reportedly lived in Caldwell at one time, proved unsuccessful. Neighbors at her last listed address were unaware of anyone by her name living in Caldwell.

Marisol Santiago, who lives on Woodside Avenue, said she heard the incident, "I was with my boyfriend inside our apartment and then I heard what sounded like a car chase, then one big car crash with multiple gun shots and then a bigger car crash."

When she came outside, she said she saw a white Range Rover with what appeared to be an Italian flag on one of the SUV's windows. Santiago said she also saw several damaged cars parked on the avenue and a gray-colored Audi that had struck a Ford Explorer in front of a nearby house.

Other residents said the neighborhood has not been immune to shootings, but, when they do occur, "it's usually done by people outside the neighborhood."

Almost three hours later, around 3:50 a.m., police responded to a call of shots fired at 362 S. 10th St. in the city's West Ward. There, they found Jesefy Keita, 24, of Newark, shot multiple times. Ambrose said Keita was transported to University Hospital, where he died shortly after 4 a.m.

The scene of Keita's murder around 11:30 a.m. Saturday showed little signs of an investigation hours before. The incident apparently occurred outside a barber shop near the intersection of South 10th Street and South Orange Avenue, according to witnesses. That section of the avenue is primarily a commercial area with some apartments above street-level stores.

Authorities said both incidents appear to be targeted attacks, but said they have no motives for the shootings.

Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio said the killings are the first two in Newark for the month of August, ending a 20-day, murder-free period.

"It is pivotal that we encourage and empower our community to continue its active role in combating crime," said the director in a statement. He said police have no suspects in either murder.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Essex County Homicide Task Force hotline at 1-877-847-7432 or Newark's tip line at 1-877-695-8477.

This is a breaking news story. Continue to check Patch for updates.

— Sharon Adarlo and Elizabeth Moore contributed to this report.