Newark Grandma Killed On Her Birthday; Cops Hike Reward Offer

NEWARK, NJ — Authorities are now offering a $25,000 reward in an attempt to catch the person who shot a Newark grandmother to death as she celebrated her 63rd birthday earlier this year.

On Thursday, Essex County officials announced that they have increased their reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Debra Derrick.

Authorities said that the fatal shooting took place on the 200-block of Lehigh Avenue around 8 p.m. on March 11, as Derrick, her grandchildren and other family members gathered to release balloons in celebration of her birthday – and that of her late twin sister. And that was when gunshots rang out.

Derrick was shot, later passing away from her injuries.

A reward to catch her killer or killers – originally set at $10,000 – has now been hiked to $25,000, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said Thursday.

Anyone with information can contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which is handling the investigation, at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

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