Multiple Fatal Shootings Reported During Newark’s ‘24 Hours of Peace’

Newark, NJ – Newark’s “24 Hours of Peace” event – which called for a citywide moratorium on violence for one day – was besmirched by two fatal shootings, according to authorities. The city’s annual event, which was supported by big name entertainment icons such as Snoop Dogg, Talib Kweli and Big Daddy Kane, took place from 12 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 19, to 12 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21.

• WATCH: Snoop Dogg Says Stop The Violence In Newark For '24 Hours Of Peace’ 2016

However, despite residents' pleas for peace, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office reported that a series of shootings took place throughout the city this weekend.

The first shooting occurred at 10:45 p.m. on Friday in the 100 block of Schuyler Avenue, authorities said. When Newark police officers arrived on the scene, they found Kevin Baker, 19, of Newark, suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders transported him to University Hospital, where we was pronounced dead at 12:08 a.m.

Another shooting took place around 11:50 p.m. on Friday in the 100 block of Willoughby Street, prosecutors said. When Newark police officers arrived on the scene, they found two victims, a male and a female, suffering from gunshot wounds. Authorities pronounced the male victim, Robert Harrison Jr, 24, of Irvington, dead on the scene at 12:07 a.m. Emergency responders transported the 27-year-old female victim to University Hospital in critical condition.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the Friday incidents did not appear to be related and are under investigation.

Authorities announced that a third fatal shooting took place on Saturday night around 9:45 p.m. on the 600 block of Irvine Turner Boulevard. When Newark police officers arrived on the scene on a report of shots fired, they found Akbar J. Scott, 42, of Newark, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and lying in the driveway of a nearby residence.

Emergency responders transported Scott to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 11:52 p.m., authorities said.

All the above incidents are under investigation. Anyone with information can call the Prosecutor's Tips Line at (877) 847-7432.