Search For Newark Teen’s Killer Continues; Cops Offer Reward

NEWARK, NJ — A police search continues for the shooter who killed a teenager with stray gunfire in Newark nearly three years ago, authorities say.

The fatal shooting, which took place in 2022, claimed the life of 18-year-old Nyasia Peppers. The shooting left her bereaved family members in shock and mourning for the teen, who was getting ready to graduate high school.

A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the case, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and Essex County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday.

Authorities released the following details about the fatal shooting:

“On June 8, 2022 at approximately 11:14 p.m., police officers responded to reports of gunfire near 146 Goodwin Avenue in Newark. Upon arrival they found the victim, Nyasia Peppers, suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Peppers succumbed to her injuries at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Investigators confirm that Peppers was not the intended target of the shooting and was struck by gunfire meant for another individual.”

The suspects fled the scene in a stolen blue Toyota C-HR which was later found abandoned near Millington Avenue. Surveillance footage shows two individuals exiting the Toyota and jumping into what appears to be a black Honda Accord before fleeing the area, 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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