Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Police Director Eugene Venable announced today that a fifth juvenile has been arrested by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which includes Newark detectives, in connection with the Mother’s Day fatal shooting of 15-year-old Al-Shakeen Woodson.
Yesterday, a 15-year-old from Newark was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. His name is being withheld because of his age. He has been taken to the Youth Detention Center.
On May 14, four others were arrested in connection with the shooting death of Woodson, who was fatally shot at approximately 7:45 pm at 19thAvenue and South 16th Street.
Jaqeuce Spinks, 19, of Newark has been charged with murder, possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Marquise Cephus, 18, of Newark has been charged with possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
They are scheduled to make their first court appearance on Wednesday, May 27, before the Honorable Ronald D. Wigler, Presiding Judge of the Essex County Criminal Division.
In addition to the two adults, two male juveniles, ages 16 and 17, were charged last week. A 16-year-old from Newark has been charged with murder and weapons offenses. A 17-year-old, also of Newark, is charged with possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.