4 Arrested After Deadly Shooting In Newark Kills Boy, Teen, Woman

NEWARK, NJ — Police have arrested four people and charged them with murder in connection with a mass shooting that claimed three lives in Newark last month. The arrestees include a 16-year-old juvenile, authorities say.

On Thursday, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office held a news conference to discuss updates about the deadly shooting, which shocked the city and sparked a renewed anti-violence campaign.

The shooting took place on the 300-block of Chancellor Avenue around 7 p.m. on Nov. 15. Two victims – a 10-year-old boy and a 21-year-old woman – were pronounced dead at University Hospital: Jordan Garcia, 10, and Kiyah Mae Scott, 21.

Three other people were wounded: an 11-year-old boy – who is Garcia’s brother – a 19-year-old male and a 60-year-old man. One of them – later identified as Masi Rogers, 19 – died on Nov. 20 after being hospitalized in critical condition. The other two have been released from the hospital, authorities said Thursday.

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“Hear me clearly: we are coming,” Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones previously said. “There is no hiding, there is no running, there is no there is nothing that will change what's coming. There's no corner of this county, no block, no basement, no friend’s couch that will keep you hidden. Turn yourselves in before we come knocking on your door.”

Four people are now in custody. Authorities released their names and a list of charges:

• Almuta Thomas, 31 – three counts of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, one count of second-degree aggravated arson, one count of third-degree theft of a motor vehicle
• Furquan Boykin Jr., 19 – three counts of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault
• Quayon Williams-King, 26 – three counts of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, one count of second-degree aggravated arson, one count of third-degree theft of a motor vehicle
• Authorities have also charged an unidentified, 16-year-old juvenile with three counts of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree conspiracy to commit murder, and two counts of second-degree aggravated assault

According to Stephens, detectives got a break on the case last week through some “good old-fashioned police work,” including technology and speaking to witnesses.

Investigators began by identifying the vehicle allegedly used by the suspects – which was stolen about 20 days before the shooting. Detectives eventually found the vehicle parked in Newark, where it had been set on fire. Police were able to identify an additional vehicle that left the scene of the arson – which was also stolen.

Stephens said the second vehicle was later involved in a police chase that took place in Newark on Nov. 17. Detectives identified Williams-King as the alleged driver in that incident. Williams-King and another man – who was not involved in the homicide investigation – were arrested and charged with possession of a weapon, receiving stolen property and eluding.

Newark police officers and homicide detectives recovered two firearms during the search of the vehicle. However, neither weapon recovered matched those were used in the shooting on Nov. 15, authorities said.

After police arrested Williams-King, detectives were able to put together several additional details about the events leading up to the shooting, Stephens alleged:

“We know that Almuta Thomas was picked up by Williams-King in a stolen vehicle. Detectives confirmed that Thomas and William-King met with the 16-year-old and Boykin later that evening. The 16-year-old and Boykin were transported to the area of Chancellor Avenue and Wainwright Street. Both ran around the corner to Chancellor Avenue and they opened fire, striking the five victims … After firing their weapons, the juvenile and Boykin returned to the suspect vehicle and all four fled the scene.”

“While we are certain that we have the right individuals that we've arrested in this, there may be others involved,” Stephens said.

A police investigation continues, he added.

Emanuel Miranda, the city’s director of public safety, said he was grateful to learn about the arrests, but added that it’s important to remember the victims and their families, who “forever remain in our thoughts and prayers.”

Police previously announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to arrests in the case. However, nobody has made a claim for that reward, authorities said.

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