Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose reports that the cause of deaths regarding two bodies discovered in the lake at Weequahic Park on Saturday, March 3rd, are not currently considered as homicides and are pending toxicology results.
According to police, at approximately 11 a.m., members of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office and Newark Fire Division responded to the lake and removed the bodies of a deceased female and male.
The woman was pronounced at 11:25 a.m. and the man was prounded at 3:03 p.m.
According to family members, search and rescue crews pulled the lifeless body of Mr. Antoine Bennette, 25, of Newark from the Weequahic Park Lake on Saturday.
The female victim found on the same day has only been identified by a tattoo and is considered a "Jane Doe" by police.
"At this early juncture in the investigation, there is no evidence that these two incidents are related", according to Newark Police Director Anthony Ambrose.
The cause and manner of each death will be determined by autopsies to be performed by the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
Director Ambrose urges anyone with information about any suspicious or criminal activities to call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NW K-GUNS ( 1-877-695-4867).
All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.