2 Shot Dead In Newark This Weekend

Authorities are investigating two, unrelated fatal shootings that took place in Newark this weekend.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the first incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in the 100 block of Irving Street, where officers responded to a shooting call shortly before 3:30 p.m.

Arriving officers located one male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The man was transported to University Hospital, where he is currently hospitalized in stable condition. Authorities are withholding his identity for “security reasons,” according to the ECPO.

A second victim was transported to St. Michael’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:44 p.m. The deceased man has been identified as Miguel Lopez, Jr., age 27, of Elizabeth.

The second homicide occurred at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday in the area of Cypress Street, where Newark officers responded to a report of a shooting in progress. Arriving officers located a male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency responders transported him to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:16 a.m.

The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Both incidents are being investigated by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department. Both investigations are active and ongoing. Anyone with information can contact Task Force detectives at (877) 847-7432 or (973) 621-4586.