Most-Read Newark Stories of June

Mayor Cory Booker kicked off his run for US Senate following the death in office of Frank Lautenberg. Booker will run in a special primary election in August against two congressman, Rush Holt and Frank Pallone, and the Speaker of the New Jersey Assembly, Sheila Oliver.

The state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union said New Jersey will become one of the next big battleground states in the fight for marriage equality between gay and straight couples after the US Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act.

A jury found a woman guilty of stabbing another woman to death in her Newark home a few years ago as two of the victim’s children looked on. Nadiyah Venable carried out the attack after the father of her unborn child left her and resumed his prior relationship with the victim, the prosecutor's office said. 

Family, friends and fellow Newark police gathered for a vigil to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of Officer Melvin Lisojo, the first Newark police officer killed in the line of duty. A Central Ward street corner has been named in Lisojo’s honor.

Three men were charged in the murder of Jahid Devlin, who was shot and killed during a wake for his uncle in April.

Two Newark men with extensive criminal histories were found guilty of trying to rob an off-duty Newark police officer in 2009.

The New Jersey State Police issued a carjacking alert for Newark after two luxury autos were taken in “bump and run” incidents along I-78 in the space of one week. In both instances, the carjackers lightly struck the vehicles from behind, then took the cars after the motorists pulled over. 

A 15-year-old boy who had reportedly stolen a car was shot and wounded by Newark police during a traffic stop after he allegedly tried to run the officers over with the car. 

The owner of a jewelry store shot and killed a man who reportedly tried to rob the store at gunpoint. The store owner told police the suspect demanded cash and threatened to shoot staff if the owner did not comply. 

Several Newark fire officials were promoted during a ceremony at St. Lucy’s Church. The 42nd Fire Academy recruit class was also welcomed during the ceremony.