Cops Still Searching For Newark Imam’s Killer, Videos Released

NEWARK, NJ — Authorities are asking for the public’s help identifying a “person of interest” in connection with the fatal shooting of a religious leader in Newark.

Hassan Sharif, 52, an imam at Masjid Muhammad-Newark Mosque, was found with gunshot wounds near South Orange Avenue and Camden Street on the morning of Jan. 3, 2024.

Sharif was transported to University Hospital with multiple bullet wounds. He later died from his injuries. Authorities said there was no information suggesting that the shooting was a bias crime.

Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Frage said Sharif was the imam of Masjid Muhammad mosque for five years, and that he advocated for non-violence in the city.

“He was a community activist who protested against gun violence,” Frage said. “He supported efforts to keep our city safe. His is a deep loss that the city will mourn.”

• See Related: NJ Imam Shot Dead Outside Mosque In Newark; No Signs Of 'Bias'
• See Related: ‘Turn Yourself In’: Sorrow, Anger In Newark After Imam’s Slaying

Essex County prosecutors released an update on Monday, sharing video footage of a “person of interest” in the case (see below).

“Surveillance video shows a man in the area at the time of the shooting,” the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said in a joint statement with the Newark Department of Public Safety.

“The individual has a distinctive walk which investigators hope will aid with identification,” authorities added.

A reward up to $35,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest. Authorities said anyone with information can contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877 TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

“This was a senseless act of violence that took the life of a beloved community leader,” Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II said.

“We have been working tirelessly to find those responsible, but we need the community’s help,” Stephens said. “We hope that releasing this video will encourage someone with any information to come forward.”

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, all homicide cases remain open until they are solved. There is no statute of limitations for murder. A cold case unit at the prosecutor’s office continuously reviews open files, re-examines evidence and pursues new leads.

• See Related: Mourners Of Slain Imam Rally In Newark 4 Months After His Death
• See Related: Essex County Honors Muslim Leaders, Slain Imam For Heritage Month

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.