Man Accused Of Murdering 55-Year-Old Newark Resident: Police

NEWARK, NJ — A Newark resident has been accused of murdering a 55-year-old local man, who was discovered in his home earlier this month, police said.

Joshua Wise, 28, of Newark has been arrested and charged with the murder of Johnnie Lattner, 55, also of Newark, authorities announced Thursday.

Lattner was discovered unresponsive at his home on Mt. Pleasant Avenue in Newark. The death was initially considered suspicious but was later ruled a homicide following the autopsy, according to a joint statement from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Newark Department of Public Safety.

Authorities said Wise knew Lattner prior to the killing.

Police arrested Wise on Wednesday. He was charged with murder, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and is being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department, is conducting an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information can contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

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