N.J. Cockfight Robbery Leaves Woman Dead, Jury Indicts 3

Essex County, NJ – A grand jury has indicted three people on multiple charges after a fatal shooting during a cockfight in New Jersey left a woman dead, authorities say.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Maria Cruz, 41, of Rockway, NY, was fatally shot during the attempted robbery of a cockfight on 3rd Avenue in Newark in 2014.

Prosecutors allege that Samir Thomas, Kelvin Diaz and Luis Ortiz conspired to commit an armed robbery of the attendees of the cockfight, which was being held in a Newark home.

During the robbery, Thomas, 24, of Elizabeth, allegedly shot Cruz, who died as a result of her wound, prosecutors said.

On Monday, an Essex County grand jury indicted Thomas on charges of conspiracy, attempted robbery, felony murder, manslaughter, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and attempted burglary.

A jury also indicted Diaz, 31, of Elizabeth, on charges of felony murder, attempted robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and attempted burglary.

Ortiz, 28, of Newark was indicted on conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit burglary and animal cruelty charges.

According to prosecutors, Diaz is currently being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility. Thomas is in custody in North Carolina and Ortiz is free.

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