A recent crime wave has rocked Newark NJ, with seven homicides having been reported in less than a week.

The latest murder happened during the early morning hours in the West Ward of Newark. The Newark Police Department got a report of gunshots fired on the 600 block of South 18th Street in Newark, NJ.

When police officers got to the area, they discovered the victim lying on the ground. The victim had sustained a gunshot wound.

Emergency medical responders were unable to save the victim, who was later pronounced dead at the scene.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and the Newark Police Department are continuing to investigate all of the recent homicides, including the fatal shooting in the West Ward. However, law enforcement has not yet been able to identify a suspect in the West Ward killing.

If investigators do identify and capture a suspect in the shooting, the culprit would probably be charged with first degree murder. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3, murder is the most serious offense in the NJ Criminal Code. A conviction on first degree murder charges could result in a sentence of life imprisonment in New Jersey State Prison, with a minimum mandatory penalty of 30 years in state prison.

For additional information about this case, read the NJ.com article, “Man Shot and Killed in Newark’s 7th Homicide Since Wednesday.”