Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced today that a current Rutgers Newark undergraduate was fatally shot at his apartment on Central Avenue in Newark last night.
His roommate who graduated last year from Rutgers was also shot.
The roommate is in critical condition.
The dead student has been identified as Shani Patel, 21, of Toms River. The identity of the 23-year old surviving victim is not being released at this time authorities said.
The preliminary investigation indicates that emergency medical personnel were dispatched to the apartment on Central Avenue where they discovered Patel suffering from a gunshot wound.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. The other victim was transported to University Hospital where he is undergoing surgery.
No suspects have been identified and no arrests have been made. The investigation is active and ongoing.
Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura’s Crimestoppers Program is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
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.