Reward Offered In Case Of Maplewood Grandmother Killed In Newark

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the murder of Deborah Burton, a 62-year-old grandmother from Maplewood, who was fatally shot in Newark four years ago.

Burton was fatally shot on March 13 in the area of 43 Third St. around 1:15 p.m. after she dropped a relative off at work, police had said in the past.

She was taken to University Hospital and pronounced dead at 2:31 p.m.

The victim's vehicle was found the next day several blocks away at 59 North Seventh St.

In August of 2017, authorities said a pair of women were captured on video surveillance who were believed to be carrying Burton's Coach pocketbook. Police had released video stills in 2017.

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II said that Sheriff Armando Fontoura’s Crime Stoppers Program is offering the reward.

Relatives said they were searching for answers about what happened. "That was one of the sweetest, kindest women," said a relative in an NJ.com story in 2017.

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.

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