Maplewood Grandmother Murdered: Cops Seek 'Persons Of Interest' (PHOTOS)

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Police in Essex County have released photos of two female “persons of interest” wanted in connection with the murder of a 62-year-old grandmother from Maplewood in Newark earlier this year.

Police are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and/or conviction in connection with the fatal shooting of Deborah Burton, 62, of Maplewood.

On Thursday, police stated that a pair of women (see below photos) were captured on video surveillance and are believed to be carrying Burton’s Coach pocketbook.

The shooting took place around 1:45 p.m. on 3rd Street in Newark, after Burton dropped a family member off at work. Emergency responders transported Burton to University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m., authorities said.

Her car – a 2002 four-door, gray Chevy Cruz - was recovered at 65-67 North 7th Street the next day, authorities said.

• See related article: Cops Offer $10K Reward To Catch Maplewood Woman's Killer

Detectives in the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office are seeking help from the public in identifying the woman featured in the photos or any information regarding the homicide.

Anyone with information can contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

Keep updated with local public safety alerts at the Patch Maplewood Facebook page.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photos: Essex County Prosecutor’s Office