"I have been living on this block for four years and this portion of Eastern Parkway has been very quiet with minimal issues. I love the area and I am a little shocked and saddened by this incident" **-Eastern Parkway female resident.**
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office has returned a confirmation of a homicide investigation for the circumstances behind a shooting that left an unidentified male dead this morning in Newark's upper West Ward.
Officials for the prosecutor's office would only confirm that the victim found shot in the vicinity of Cameron Road and Eastern Parkway has died from his injuries and their investigation into the motive for the shooting is active and ongoing.
Residents told RLS Metro Breaking News that at approximately 3 a.m., they heard a series of popping noises that resembled gunfire.
Residents said officers responded very swiftly to the scene but did not activate sirens and only used flashing lights when they converged in the area.
Once on the scene, police found a vehicle penetrated by multiple bullets then officers taped off the crime scene in an attempt to locate any victims and secure evidence.
EMS units were ordered to expedite to the scene when police ultimately found the unconscious and unresponsive male victim suffering gunshot wounds according to preliminary reports.
Officials would not release the identity of the victim until they have located and identified his next of kin.
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
There were no other injuries reported.