Who Shot Uggie? Cops Offer $10K Reward For Beloved Newark Icon’s Killer

NEWARK, NJ — Essex County authorities are offering a reward up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the murder of beloved Newark icon, Eric “Uggie’’ Bowen.

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

Police are investigating the death of the 44-year-old Bowen - a well-known and liked Newark resident - who was fatally shot around 10:40 p.m. on the 200 block of Bergen Street, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office stated.

According to prosecutors, Newark police officers arriving on the scene found Bowen in front of a home on Bergen Street suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders transported Bowen to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:15 p.m.

“Uggie was a staple to the dance and entertainment community where he always strutted the latest dance moves at parties and could also be seen with his radio, at any given time, entertaining dozens on street corners and house parties,” RLS News reported shortly after breaking the news of Bowen's passing.

The Newark Fire Department issued a brief statement on Tuesday about Bowen’s death on their Facebook page: “A good friend of the Newark Fire Department. R.I.P Uggie.”

Other Newark residents took to social media to express their condolences.

Videos of Bowen’s infectious dancing have been making their way around the internet for years. Check out some of “Uggie’s” best moves below. [Editor's note: Some footage may contain strong language]

News of Bowen’s death comes on the heels of last weekend’s tragic triple stabbing that claimed the life of two Newark children and a 23-year-old female from Cedar Knolls.

• See related article: N.J. Man Wanted For Killing 3 — 2 Of Them Children — in Custody After Standoff: Prosecutor

Photo: AmericanLegendsEnt, YouTube