Murder-Suicide Victim Had Restraining Order Against Shooter In Roselle: Authorities

ROSELLE, NJ — It has been confirmed that the murder-suicide victim from Newark had a restraining order against the shooter from Roselle, authorities said.

Anishalee Cortes, 22, of Newark and Dominick Richards, 49, of Roselle were found dead, following a shooting in the driveway of Richard's home in Roselle Tuesday afternoon. Richards approached Cortes and fatally shot her before taking his own life, Union County Prosecutor's Office said.

The relationship between the two involved authorities and domestic violence as far back as April, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed.

“Our thoughts are with family of Anishalee Cortes in light of this tragedy," Acting First Assistant Prosecutor Robert Laurino said. "Working with our partners at the Newark Police Department, we did everything legally possible to protect Ms. Cortes, including filing for the detention of her abuser, assisting the victim to obtain a restraining order, and preparing her case for a grand jury hearing. We will continue to tirelessly advocate for all victims of crime that we serve."

Here is a timeline of events, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office:

On April 8: Richards was arrested at his home in Roselle by Newark Police Officers after Cortes reported that he assaulted and threatened her with a gun at her Newark home. The weapon used in the original incident was confiscated and is being held by the Newark Police Department.

On April 10: The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office filed a motion with the court asking that Richards be detained.

On April 13: A detention hearing was held and on the same day the judge released Richards with conditions.

The conditions included that he not commit any new offenses, avoid contact with the victim, report to Pretrial Services every other week telephonically and in person once every other week, refrain from possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapons, refrain from excessive use of alcohol or narcotics, appear for court proceedings and notify Pretrial Services of any change in his contact information.

On April 17: Richards was served with a Temporary Restraining Order obtained by the victim.

On May 2: Richards was served with a Final Restraining Order obtained by the victim.

On June 13 at around 2:30 p.m., Roselle Police Department patrol units responded to the 900 block of Chestnut Street where they found the bodies of Cortes and Richards. They were both pronounced dead at the scene, according to reports.

• See Related: Two Dead In Roselle Shooting Deemed Murder-Suicide

(Image via Facebook: Anishalee Cortes, 22, of Newark)

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