Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced today that Basil Thomas, 22, of Newark has been charged with the murder 18-year-old Asahiah Lawton of Irvington.
Police say Lawton was fatally stabbed on July 25 in the 200 block of Court Street in Newark. He was transported to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 12:40 a.m. yesterday.
Police charged Thomas with murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, 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.
The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information 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.