NJ Supermarket Stabbing Suspect Arrested, Man Killed In Parking Lot

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal stabbing that took place outside of a supermarket in Essex County earlier this week, authorities announced Wednesday.

The stabbing – which took place in the parking lot of the ShopRite on Springfield Avenue in Newark – claimed the life of an East Orange resident, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Newark police responded to the parking lot at 7:17 p.m., finding Rodney J. Mayes, 56, of East Orange, with stab wounds. Mayes was transported to University Hospital in Newark, where he died from his injuries, prosecutors said.

The stabbing took place after a verbal dispute with another man, who fled the scene, authorities said.

On Wednesday afternoon, authorities announced that a suspect has been arrested and charged in connection with Mayes’ death: Julius Gaines, 56, of Newark.

Gaines has been charged with first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Authorities said anyone with information about the stabbing can contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

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