Police Seek Help in Investigating Death of 77-Year-Old Essex County Woman Killed in Hit and Run

Essex County Police are asking the public for help in investigating the death of Ernesta Fernandez, a 77-year-old Nutley woman, who was fatally injured in a hit and run on Nov. 15.

“Ms. Fernandez sustained fatal injuries on Saturday, Nov. 15 around 12 p.m. in the 300 block of Centre Street,” Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray stated. “She was found in the street. We are investigating the incident to determine what occurred.”

Nutley Police Lt. John Rhein told NJ.com that Fernandez was struck and killed by a van while crossing the Centre Street at Ravine Avenue, and was pronounced dead at University Hospital. The van fled the scene after striking Fernandez and was last seen heading down Franklin Avenue near Shoprite, according to NJ.com.

Lt. Rhein told the Star Ledger that that the van “may be “dark blue or black with chrome bumpers and any damage should be on the front driver side of the vehicle.”

The Essex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers Program is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips line at 1-877-847-7432 or 1-877-TIPS-4-EC or the Nutley Police Department at 973-284-4940.