Newark Man Allegedly Shot into Parked Vehicle
A Newark, NJ man has been charged with first degree murder in connection with a fatal shooting. The suspect, 25-year-old Robert Steele, allegedly used a firearm to shoot the victim on the 100 block of Littleton Avenue in Newark, New Jersey. The shooting occurred around 11:15 p.m., with Steele allegedly firing several gunshots at a car parked along the street. The shooting victim, also a Newark, NJ resident, suffered critical wounds and needed medical treatment at University Hospital. Tragically, the victim died seven days later.
The Newark Police Department Major Crimes Unit worked quickly to investigate the violent crime and identified Steele as the shooting suspect. Just one day after the incident, members of the Newark Police Fugitive Apprehension Team and the U.S. Marshals Service found the suspect in Newark and arrested him.
Attempted Murder Charges Upgraded to First Degree Murder Charges
Police are not offering many details about the investigation into the homicide. Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose released a statement and said that Steele is charged with first degree murder. That was not initially the case: Steele was first charged with attempted murder. However, the charges were upgraded shortly after the victim died due to his injuries. This matters a great deal because Steele now faces life imprisonment if he is ultimately convicted at trial in Essex County Superior Court. N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3 classifies murder is as a special kind of first degree felony that carries a minimum punishment of 30 years in state prison and a maximum punishment of life in state prison.
Steele is also charged with multiple criminal weapons offenses, including unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. As a result, Steele could also face prison time if he is convicted on the weapons offense charges. New Jersey gun laws carry severe penalties – and NJ Superior Court judges won’t hesitate to enforce the maximum penalties allowable under the law.
Contact an Experienced Newark, NJ Criminal Attorney Who Defends Clients Against Homicide Charges
Anyone charged with murder in Newark, West Orange, Montclair, or anywhere else in Essex County should make sure that they have an aggressive criminal defense attorney representing them throughout the legal process. Travis J. Tormey, the founding partner of the Tormey Law Firm, is an experienced criminal defense lawyer who knows how to help clients beat charges for murder and attempted murder. Contact Attorney Tormey anytime to schedule a free consultation.