Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, and Irvington Police Director Tracy Bowers announced today that authorities are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying persons of interest wanted in connection with the death of Mr. Samuel V. Gbotoe, 63, of Irvington, who died following an assault.
Official say the Essex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers Program is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for the attack.
According to authorities, on March 13, Gbotoe, a security guard at Newark Airport, was assaulted by a group of men and women while walking down the street on Isabella Avenue and University Place in Irvington.
He died on June 8. Following an autopsy, the death was ruled a homicide. The cause was complications of blunt force trauma.
Surveillance video was located which depicts the victim being assaulted by several suspects who were last seen running away north on Columbia Ave.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, which is handling the investigation, is seeking help from the public in identifying the three individuals in the photos.
NOTE: Mr. Samuel V. Gbotoe has the blue background.
Anyone with information regarding the identity of these individuals is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips line at: 1-877-847-7432 or 1-877-TIPS-4EC.