Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced today that James A. Edwards, 57, of Newark has been charged with the Nov. 9, 2015 murder of Pamela Davis, 50, also of Newark.
The decapitated body of Davis, a mother of three, was found in the 800 block of 11th Street in Newark. Police had been looking for her since Oct. 30, when her family reported her missing.
Authorities said on Nov. 11, 2015 Edwards was charged with desecration of human remain. He has been incarcerated at the Essex County Correctional Facility ever since. This week those charges were upgraded to murder based on the findings of the Medical Examiner.
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly said it is alleged that Edwards and the victim got into a dispute, he killed her and then attempted to get rid of the body by dismembering her remains.
Bail was set at $500,000 by the Honorable Ramona Santiago, Judge of the Superior Court.
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.