By: Richard L. Smith
More than a year after the tragic shooting of 22-year-old Mr. Jaheem Futrell, authorities are intensifying efforts to solve the case, offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
On March 2, 2024, at approximately 10:47 p.m., Newark Police responded to a 911 call reporting a man down at 384 South 8th Street. 
Upon arrival, officers found Futrell with a gunshot wound to the chest; he was pronounced dead at the scene shortly thereafter.
Despite an active investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, no arrests have been made to date.
According to a statement released by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, authorities are aggressively pursuing leads and have not given up on bringing the perpetrator(s) to justice.
In an effort to generate new leads, Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones announced a $5,000 reward through the Crime Stoppers Program for information that leads to an arrest in the case.
RLS Media reported back in 2024 that the incident had sparked an intensive investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities are once again urging the community to come forward with any information that could assist in solving this case.
The public has been instrumental in past investigations, and officials are hopeful that community members will provide the necessary information to bring closure to Futrell’s family.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC (1-877-847-7432).
All calls will be kept confidential.