Newark Sees 2 Fatal Shootings On July 4th Holiday

NEWARK, NJ — Two fatal shootings took place in Newark on the July 4th holiday, but neither appear to be related, authorities said.

The shootings claimed the life of a 39-year-old Newark resident and a 42-year-old East Orange resident, according to a joint statement from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Newark Department of Public Safety.

Authorities released the following details about each shooting on Tuesday.

IRVINE TURNER BOULEVARD – “The first incident occurred at approximately 12:35 p.m. on the 100-block of Irvine Turner Boulevard. The Newark Police Department dispatched officers to that location on reports of a shooting. Arriving officers discovered an unresponsive male behind an apartment complex suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was rushed to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:09 p.m. The victim of this shooting has been identified as Raakin J. Brown, 39, of Newark.”

SOUTH EIGHTH STREET – “The second incident occurred shortly after 5 p.m. on the 200-block of South Eighth Street. Newark officers responded to that area on reports of shots fired. The responding officers discovered a male, later identified as Mailk Taylor, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Taylor, 42, of East Orange, was rushed to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:42 p.m.”

Both shootings are being investigated by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department. Authorities said that anyone with information can contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips line at 1-877-847-7432 or 1-877-TIPS-4EC.

The July 4 shootings happened less than a week after a drive-by shooting wounded nine people in Newark on June 30. The victims – who ranged from 17-years-old to 68-years-old – are all expected to recover, authorities said. Read More: 'We Know Who They Are': Newark Mass Shooting Investigation Continues

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