Newark Man Found With Gunshot Wound; Irvington Men Charged With Murder

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Two Irvington residents have been charged with murder after a man was found in a car with a fatal gunshot wound in Newark last week, authorities say.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Newark Department of Public Safety recently released an update about the death of Romulo Luzuriaga, 57, of Newark.

According to authorities, police responded to a report of a shooting on the 200-block of Grafton Avenue in Newark at 10:25 p.m. on May 11. Officers found Luzuriaga in a car, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

He was transported to University Hospital and pronounced dead at 11:05 p.m.

In the ensuing investigation, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force identified a car that was involved in the incident, authorities said.

On May 12, Newark police spotted the car and a chase ensued. The driver, Deontee Jones, 24, of Irvington, fled from the car but was apprehended.

Jones has been charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, felony murder, two counts of robbery and two weapons offenses. He was also charged with four counts of eluding police. In addition, he was linked to robberies in Newark and charged with an additional five counts of robbery and three weapons offenses, authorities said.

The investigation also led to the arrest of Earl Betterson, 33, of Irvington, who was charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, felony murder, two counts of robbery and two weapon offenses. He was also linked to robberies in Newark, and was charged with five additional counts of robbery and three weapons offenses, prosecutors said.

An investigation into the shooting continues. 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.

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