By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities have announced the arrest of a Newark man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a 53-year-old woman earlier this year.
According to a joint statement from Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, the victim, Ms. Margie Reyes, was discovered lying in the roadway near 733 Frelinghuysen Avenue around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.
Newark police officers responding to the scene found Reyes with injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle.
She was transported to University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Following an extensive investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Crime Scene Investigation Bureau, detectives collected several pieces of critical evidence that ultimately led them to a suspect.
On August 5, 36-year-old Lavon Cooley of Newark was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Task Force.
He now faces multiple charges, including second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle crash, third-degree causing death while driving with a suspended license, third-degree endangering an injured victim, and third-degree possession of a dangerous controlled substance.
Authorities also noted that preliminary information suggests Reyes may have been homeless at the time of her death.
Despite ongoing efforts, officials have been unable to locate any relatives or next of kin.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is urging anyone who may have known Margie Reyes or who has information about her family to contact their office.