A 25-year-old Newark woman charged with murder in connection with a fatal stabbing was acquitted at a trial this week.
Zakia Merrill, who has been in custody at the Essex County Correctional Facility, was released Thursday after she was acquitted in connection with the Aug. 31, 2013 killing of 24-year-old Ebony Martin.
According to Katherine Carter, spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office, the incident occurred after an argument between several parties in the area of Pennsylvania Avenue and Thomas Street in Newark ensued.
Martin died after suffering a stab in wound to the chest.
Investigatiors spoke with two witnesses who claimed they saw Merrill and Martin fighting prior to the stabbing.
On Sept. 3, 2013, Merrill was arrested and held at the county jail, according to records.
However, Merrill in trial testified that she was present when the argument arose but never fought anyone. She added that she saw her cousin stab Martin and heard him admit to the stabbing.
The jury's decision to acquit Merrill, was mainly taking into consideration that when police went to her home to arrest her, she had no bruises that would indicate her involvement in the fight and there being no other evidence against her other than the witnesses who never said they saw Merrill with a knife.