Suspects in Three Newark Murders Arrested

Suspects in three different murders were captured yesterday, July 10, including two suspects in murders occurring within the last few weeks.

The US Marshals Service assisted in the arrests, according to Newark police and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Rashad Ziegler, 24, of Newark was taken into custody and charged with the murder of Cleavon Washington, 27, also of Newark. Washington was shot on Brookdale Avenue near Abinger Place on Dec. 29, 2011. The Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force obtained a murder warrant for Ziegler last week and he was taken into custody Tuesday.

Robert Spann, 31, of Newark was also taken into custody, by the Newark Police Department's Fugitive Apprehension Section and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, on Tuesday. Spann was wanted for the June 26 shooting of Jamar Cato, 21, also of Newark. The shooting occurred on Brookdale Avenue.

"I congratulate all the detectives for an outstanding job in apprehending two suspects wanted in connection with these murders. The detectives worked tirelessly to ensure that these suspects were captured and will be prosecuted for the crimes they committed," Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio said in a statement.

Also yesterday, Jashon Johnson was arrested after US Marshals observed him entering a cab at Stratford Place, The Star Ledger reported. The cab was surrounded and stopped by Newark police at Irvine Turner Boulevard and Springfield Avenue.

Johnson is charged with the murder of 49-year-old Rochenel Guerrier of Irvington, who was found shot to death in his cab on Mt. Prospect Place early on the morning of Saturday, July 7. Guerrier leaves behind a wife and three children.