school shooting in NJ?

[SapphyreBlues]

I just found this. AP released it just a few hours ago...

school shooting (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SCHOOLYARD_KILLINGS?SITE=AZTUC&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT)

The year has JUST begun and already it's happening :( What's wrong with people??!!

[ndvfdff33]

School already???

Damn our schools are not even back in for another month. When do they get out for summer?

[st42stephenAFT]

Wow... that's horrible. And to think I'm looking at colleges up that way....

:(

[SapphyreBlues]

School already???

Damn our schools are not even back in for another month. When do they get out for summer?

The Bristol, TN City Schools got out somewhere around the last week of May. The Sullivan County school system went back Monday (yesterday) but Bristol's won't go back until the 9th, which I Thursday, I think.

[RspctFrmCalgary]

This wasn't your typical school shooting. It was late at night. Incredibly tragic, yes, but I don't think it should be thought of as a "school" shooting. It could have been anywhere young adults hang out at night, but happened to be in a schoolyard.

[SapphyreBlues]

Well yeah, that's true. Perhaps AP should modify their headline. Anyways, it's still scary :(

As for actual school shootings, I hope it doesn't happen, but the way things are going you can tell one isn't far off.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

This was NOT a school shooting. This was four people sitting in a school playground listening to music. Several men surrounded them, shot one female, lined the other three up against a wall, allegedly robbed them, and shot them in the heads execution style.

Newark and the surrounding Essex County towns like Irvington, EO, Orange, etc. have become more lawless than ever. Gangs have taken over and are administering their "justice" on a nightly basis. IMO, there is no hope for this city. They can build all the arenas, stadiums and concert halls they want. The criminals have won.

[RspctFrmCalgary]

Well yeah, that's true. Perhaps AP should modify their headline. Anyways, it's still scary :(

As for actual school shootings, I hope it doesn't happen, but the way things are going you can tell one isn't far off.


I was referring to the direction I saw the discussion going, not your thread title.

Thanks, George. That's what I was trying to get across.

[SapphyreBlues]

This was NOT a school shooting. This was four people sitting in a school playground listening to music. Several men surrounded them, shot one female, lined the other three up against a wall, allegedly robbed them, and shot them in the heads execution style.

Newark and the surrounding Essex County towns like Irvington, EO, Orange, etc. have become more lawless than ever. Gangs have taken over and are administering their "justice" on a nightly basis. IMO, there is no hope for this city. They can build all the arenas, stadiums and concert halls they want. The criminals have won.

That's terrible. Is there any type of curfew the PD can enforce? Yeah, building stadiums and stuff will just give them clean walls to paint on :rolleyes: Don't they have a gang task force like some other cities do? Perhaps they should get one :(

But yeah, I read school yard shooting, and thought, here we go again. Even after reading the story. It was late, I was tired, and more than that, sick and tired. You'd like to think you could send your kids to school without worrying about them getting blown away.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

That's terrible. Is there any type of curfew the PD can enforce? Yeah, building stadiums and stuff will just give them clean walls to paint on :rolleyes: Don't they have a gang task force like some other cities do? Perhaps they should get one :(

But yeah, I read school yard shooting, and thought, here we go again. Even after reading the story. It was late, I was tired, and more than that, sick and tired. You'd like to think you could send your kids to school without worrying about them getting blown away.

Yeah, the Newark PD is trying to work with the Crips, Bloods, MS-13 and Latin Kings to set up a 10 PM curfew.:rolleyes:

[BFDNJFF]

Yeah, the Newark PD is trying to work with the Crips, Bloods, MS-13 and Latin Kings to set up a 10 PM curfew.:rolleyes:

Thanks George I think I just pissed myself. :D

[JimMccarthy]

Yeah, the Newark PD is trying to work with the Crips, Bloods, MS-13 and Latin Kings to set up a 10 PM curfew.:rolleyes:

A gent I knew who was a city councilman (for about a week) had a good idea: Take all the gangs, lock them in the local stadium with all the guns, ammo and whatever other implements of destruction they may choose to have available, come back in 72 hours and arrest the survivors.
He made this comment in open Council chambers and was the subject of the fastest recall in California history.

Back to You, Walter.

Be safe, Y'all

Jimmy

[Bones42]

I still find it amusing that someone from Tennessee read a news clip from an Arizona newspaper, about a shooting in NJ. Damn, there's a lotta miles in that story. :D

SapphyreBlues, you are correct. It is a shame that "we" have to worry about kids getting shot in school. Newark is not a pretty place. There are a couple nice areas, but for the most part, it's a place to avoid.

[SapphyreBlues]

Yeah, the Newark PD is trying to work with the Crips, Bloods, MS-13 and Latin Kings to set up a 10 PM curfew.:rolleyes:

Well what I was getting at is this. If they're only hanging around the PD can't arrest them. They can only do that if they are caught committing a crime. so if they're loitering around after curfew, it gives them a reason to arrest them, thus getting them off the street. If they resist arrest, well the PD isn't issued clubs and guns for nothing :eek:

I thought the Tuscon newspaper thing was strange too. But that's the AP page I got it from :D

I couldn't imagine having kids nowadays. To tell you the truth, I worry about my cats when they're outside. I'd go nuts if I had kids in school.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

I still find it amusing that someone from Tennessee read a news clip from an Arizona newspaper, about a shooting in NJ. Damn, there's a lotta miles in that story. :D

SapphyreBlues, you are correct. It is a shame that "we" have to worry about kids getting shot in school. Newark is not a pretty place. There are a couple nice areas, but for the most part, it's a place to avoid.

Once you eat the Portugeuse food Down Neck, you will be hooked forever.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Well what I was getting at is this. If they're only hanging around the PD can't arrest them. They can only do that if they are caught committing a crime. so if they're loitering around after curfew, it gives them a reason to arrest them, thus getting them off the street. If they resist arrest, well the PD isn't issued clubs and guns for nothing :eek:

I thought the Tuscon newspaper thing was strange too. But that's the AP page I got it from :D

I couldn't imagine having kids nowadays. To tell you the truth, I worry about my cats when they're outside. I'd go nuts if I had kids in school.

You honest to God don't have even a remote clue, do you?

[Bones42]

Once you eat the Portugeuse food Down Neck, you will be hooked forever. That is true. My ex-brother in law came here from Portugal. Many trips up there. :)

[SapphyreBlues]

You honest to God don't have even a remote clue, do you?

As to gang warfare, I can say, Thank God I don't. I live in a town that's pretty safe. I was just tossing random ideas out. I know you can't keep people for loitering. But the resisting arrest for doing it - and you know they would resist - could get you a bit more time off the street. But far more often than not, I suppose it just results in a dead policeman.

They need to get some anti-gang techs in there. But if it's nearly as bad as what y'all have said, it may just be too late. All I can say is just wait around for them to break out in a complete gang war and they'll just kill each other off. Until the next generation is recruited.

If it gets really bad, do you suppose they could put it under martial law for a while? Bring in the military and tell them they gotta do what they gotta do to clear the streets of those people? Sounds like an idea to me.

Anyways, like I said, I was just putting out random thoughts about it.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

As to gang warfare, I can say, Thank God I don't. I live in a town that's pretty safe. I was just tossing random ideas out. I know you can't keep people for loitering. But the resisting arrest for doing it - and you know they would resist - could get you a bit more time off the street. But far more often than not, I suppose it just results in a dead policeman.

They need to get some anti-gang techs in there. But if it's nearly as bad as what y'all have said, it may just be too late. All I can say is just wait around for them to break out in a complete gang war and they'll just kill each other off. Until the next generation is recruited.

If it gets really bad, do you suppose they could put it under martial law for a while? Bring in the military and tell them they gotta do what they gotta do to clear the streets of those people? Sounds like an idea to me.

Anyways, like I said, I was just putting out random thoughts about it.

An anti-gang initiative....I wonder why Newark PD -with 3-5 gang-related shootings a week-didn't think of that?

I was right. You don't have a clue.

[voyager9]

A gent I knew who was a city councilman (for about a week) had a good idea: Take all the gangs, lock them in the local stadium with all the guns, ammo and whatever other implements of destruction they may choose to have available, come back in 72 hours and arrest the survivors.


Then they can sell a video game based on the event and solve all their budget problems.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Then they can sell a video game based on the event and solve all their budget problems.

Wasn't there a movie about this back in the '70s? I think it was called "Warriors".

[voyager9]

Wasn't there a movie about this back in the '70s? I think it was called "Warriors".

I think so (before my time).. wasn't that also the movie they spoofed in Anchorman?

[SapphyreBlues]

**double post...sorry**

[SapphyreBlues]

An anti-gang initiative....I wonder why Newark PD -with 3-5 gang-related shootings a week-didn't think of that?

I was right. You don't have a clue.

Well I don't live there, so I didn't know if they had one or not. Obviously it's not working. They need a better one then. The one they have must stink. They need to see where they've failed, and go from there. And since the PD can't get anywhere with it, just put it under martial law. When they go after the National Guard, they'll do something about it. And after some of 'em get cut down, see if the rest don't scatter like roaches. I know that sounds stupid. But so is letting a bunch of thugs and hoodlums take over.

As to not having a clue, you've already informed me of that :D I'm just expressing an opinion is all.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Well I don't live there, so I didn't know if they had one or not. Obviously it's not working. They need a better one then. The one they have must stink. They need to see where they've failed, and go from there. And since the PD can't get anywhere with it, just put it under martial law. When they go after the National Guard, they'll do something about it. And after some of 'em get cut down, see if the rest don't scatter like roaches. I know that sounds stupid. But so is letting a bunch of thugs and hoodlums take over.

As to not having a clue, you've already informed me of that :D I'm just expressing an opinion is all.


Are you like 12 years old?

Put a major US city under martial law. Use the National Guard to perform police functions.

You not only do not have a clue about gang culture, you do not even know how your government works.

I'm through with you.

[SapphyreBlues]

Are you like 12 years old?

Put a major US city under martial law. Use the National Guard to perform police functions.

You not only do not have a clue about gang culture, you do not even know how your government works.

I'm through with you.

No, I'm not talking about having the military completely run the city. No. Just have them help the PD patrol the place. Give them vital aid. Obviously they need it. The PD they have up there - when it comes to that - is basically ineffective.

They are going to have to do better or else there are going to be a lot of innocent people killed. There is no such thing as prevention any more for that city. They evidently need to take action.

No, I'm not 12. I'm 26, soon to be 27. And as for being done with me, if it disturbs you that bad when someone gives their opinion...well, I don't know what to tell you. I was just expressing some ideas like everybody else.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Opinions do not bother me.

Ignorance bothers me.

[SapphyreBlues]

The only thing I was doing was suggesting ways that might make that place a safer way to live. If it can be done, fine. If it can't, well I didn't know. If that's ignorance to you, fine. But don't you think that's better than apathy? I could be sitting here saying "Hey, I'm in TN, they're in NJ...who cares if they all die?!" But I'm not like that :)

[coldfront]

Opinions do not bother me.

Ignorance bothers me.

Dear Mr Kindness!

Yes, though the Happiness you witness and Anger you are experiencing are just two sides of the same coin.

Both begin with Desire arising. Then Desire is (temporarily) either Fulfilled (happiness) or Unfulfilled (anger).

Both keep you in the endless cycle of suffering arising from clinging to impermanence.

What bothers you about seeing someone Happy is therefore the same thing that should bother you about being Angry -- both forms of suffering arise because of ignorance of the impermanent nature of being.

True bliss arises when one lets go of desire altogether, and lets pure awareness resonate with itself in its natural state. Try it.

I love google!


SapphyreBlues This should take the heat off you for awhile.He really loves new targets!Post away Sapphyreblues I dont believe the FBI or local law enforcement calls george and ask for his defination of A SCHOOL SHOOTING: If you would talk to local parents I would bet they would consider it a school shooting.Sure it not the classic school hours shooting.In Kentucky if you sell drugs within 1000 feet of a school that close enough to up your jail time if found guilty!D

[SapphyreBlues]

SapphyreBlues This should take the heat off you for awhile.He really loves new targets!Post away Sapphyreblues I dont believe the FBI or local law enforcement calls george and ask for his defination of A SCHOOL SHOOTING: If you would talk to local parents I would bet they would consider it a school shooting.Sure it not the classic school hours shooting.Hell here in Kentucky if you sell drugs within 1000 feet of a school that close enough to up your jail time if found guilty!D Bring it on george!

Well I'm a newbie to this site, and a nonFF, so I'd say I'm an easy target. I'm thick skinned though, so it doesn't bother me :D Thanks for the support anyways :)

And while, really, it doesn't fall under the normal school shooting classification, it still happened on a campus. It's very bothersome because you want to sit back and (naively) believe that schools are safe places for our kids. Be it morning or night, when they are there or not. As for what the local parents think, if they were to talk to the VT parents, they'll find that the pain is the same. Whether it was in the middle of class or not. Maybe it wasn't a "true" school shooting. Does that make it any less offensive? Certainly not.

The law that y'all have in Kentucky is a good one. I'm not real sure of the TN law about that.

I feel for the kids. I graduated in '98. And even though that was just 9 years ago, what I went through and what they are going through are so much different. It's gotten so much worse on them. Peer pressure is at an all time high. And so is bullying. I've heard commercials for parents where they can seek help if their child is being bullied, or is the bully. Kids nowadays, not all but some, are so dark and depressed. It's not like it used to be, where you get picked on and after a good cry, you get over it. Now they get guns and "get even". Not that bullying is right, but neither is shooting someone.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

[QUOTE=coldfront;847289]

SapphyreBlues This should take the heat off you for awhile.He really loves new targets!Post away Sapphyreblues I dont believe the FBI or local law enforcement calls george and ask for his defination of A SCHOOL SHOOTING: If you would talk to local parents I would bet they would consider it a school shooting.Sure it not the classic school hours shooting.In Kentucky if you sell drugs within 1000 feet of a school that close enough to up your jail time if found guilty!D[/QUOTE

I was not criticizing anyone about the "definition of a school shooting". I couldn't care less.

My point is that someone who is an adult in this day and age and can show complete ignorance about how their government operates is pathetic.

[DrParasite]

The sad thing not mentioned here is that Newark isn't the worst city in NJ:

That title is held by its south Jersey counterpart, Camden.

[SapphyreBlues]

I was not criticizing anyone about the "definition of a school shooting". I couldn't care less.

My point is that someone who is an adult in this day and age and can show complete ignorance about how their government operates is pathetic.

Maybe it is. But then so is letting a bunch of thugs take over not just one or two cities, but several. If it keeps going on like y'all have described it, it won't be long before there is a complete breakdown of the policing structure concerning those gangs. NO, before I'm accused of it, I am in no way saying the PD is at fault, or that they aren't good at what they do. Maybe the problem escalated faster than they could handle the situation. All I was saying is they should get some serious back up. Perhaps "martial law" was the incorrect term for what I was suggesting. A serious problem needs a serious remedy. If it has indeed gotten as bad as y'all are saying it has, then I don't see the problem with them coming in to help. Especially at night. Obviously they aren't afraid of the PD. And what ones are caught, if the judicial system is like it is down here, they're out before the arresting officer even has the paperwork done on him.

I know you're really gonna go nuts on this one, but in my opinion, they should get a prison sentence for just being in a gang. Think about it. They are kinda like terrorists. Not what we normally call a terrorist, but do they or do they not terrorize the neighborhoods they've taken over? I mean, just ask the 3 - 5 people a week who've been shot. That is if they've survived.

But I guess until the judicial system catches up with the PD, it'll just be a revolving door...they get arrested...they get released. Maybe that would work. Just ship them off to prison. That'll change their attitude.

Nevermind. I just remembered how the prisons are in this country. Don't get me started on prison reform :rolleyes: But I will say this on that subject....when the person who killed somebody is living better than his/her victim's family, there is something seriously wrong.

And here's another question. Why isn't the rest of the country hearing about this? Why isn't it being reported on? When it was NY, it was all over the news. When it was LA, it was all over the news. Why not NJ? I would have never guessed it would be that bad there.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

The sad thing not mentioned here is that Newark isn't the worst city in NJ:

That title is held by its south Jersey counterpart, Camden.

Finally something we agree on.

[ThNozzleman]

SapphyreBlues This should take the heat off you for awhile.He really loves new targets!
What a hero!

[NJFFSA16]

If it gets really bad, do you suppose they could put it under martial law for a while? Bring in the military and tell them they gotta do what they gotta do to clear the streets of those people?

Sure...why not? That's what America is all about!:rolleyes: Justice for all. Land of Opportunity! Land of Liberty! Give me Liberty or give me Death! Honest Abe! Goerge and the Cherry Tree!

Let's do this...bring in Osama Bin Laden and his thugs, let them set rule of law...cause Martial :rolleyes: Dillon is way too busy right now!:eek:

(Hello again George....;) )

CLUELESS!

[KnightnPBIArmor]

SapphyreBlues This should take the heat off you for awhile.He really loves new targets!Post away Sapphyreblues I dont believe the FBI or local law enforcement calls george and ask for his defination of A SCHOOL SHOOTING: If you would talk to local parents I would bet they would consider it a school shooting.Sure it not the classic school hours shooting.In Kentucky if you sell drugs within 1000 feet of a school that close enough to up your jail time if found guilty!D

So I guess in your mind if someone gets held up and their wallet taken in a bank parking lot at midnight on a Saturday it's a bank robbery and not a mugging then, right? :rolleyes:

[Bones42]

SapphyreBlues, I'm guessing you really don't know much about gangs?

Consider yourself lucky that you do not have any in your area. :)

[hwoods]

Dear Mr Kindness!

Yes, though the Happiness you witness and Anger you are experiencing are just two sides of the same coin.

Both begin with Desire arising. Then Desire is (temporarily) either Fulfilled (happiness) or Unfulfilled (anger).

Both keep you in the endless cycle of suffering arising from clinging to impermanence.

What bothers you about seeing someone Happy is therefore the same thing that should bother you about being Angry -- both forms of suffering arise because of ignorance of the impermanent nature of being.

True bliss arises when one lets go of desire altogether, and lets pure awareness resonate with itself in its natural state. Try it.


Thank You, Rev. Coldfront. Your message to the masses, (or is it messes) is duly noted, and appreciated by most of us. :eek: :eek: :eek:

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

SapphyreBlues, I'm guessing you really don't know much about gangs?

Consider yourself lucky that you do not have any in your area. :)

That's the problem with middle America in reference to gangs. There are organized criminal groups-outlaw biker gangs, skinheads, street gangs, etc.-in every single town in America. A small farming town with a prevalence of migrant workers, for example, can bank on the presence of MS-13 or ALKQN. Rich white kids are drawn to facist hate groups. They are everywhere. I mean everywhere.

I had a fire in an apt. complex in a pretty decent town. As I'm doing the fire, I am watching a "gathering" of young folks of apparently Latino descent. They must have been hockey fans as they were all wearing either Pittsburgh Penquins garb or other black and gold clothing. Some of their vehicles had yellow bandanas tied to the antennas. You get the picture.

I grab some photos using my telephoto and call my buddy in the local prosecutor's office to let him know about this. He told me that there is no gang problem in this town. Apparently, the mayor and the police chief went on TV and annoucned that there were no gang members in their town. Denial and ignorance are the friends of criminals.

[coldfront]

Thank You, Rev. Coldfront. Your message to the masses, (or is it messes) is duly noted, and appreciated by most of us. :eek: :eek: :eek:

Its nice to be appreciated.:rolleyes:

[mvfd27]

I grab some photos using my telephoto and call my buddy in the local prosecutor's office to let him know about this. He told me that there is no gang problem in this town. Apparently, the mayor and the police chief went on TV and annoucned that there were no gang members in their town. Denial and ignorance are the friends of criminals.

That is a very good point about gangs and how communities try to pretend they're not in the area or if they recognize their presence they minimize the impact the gangs are having. I wonder if Newark had taken a "head in the sand" approach to the gangs when they started surfacing. Since I don't live there or in the area I am truly curious if Newark's initial response to gangs was denial/ignorance and if so, did that help create the issues they're facing today. I see communities in the area I live demonstrate similar denial to gangs, the PD is well aware and being proactive, but the residents and press seem to be downplaying it. Any thoughts George, or anyone else familiar with Newark?

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

That is a very good point about gangs and how communities try to pretend they're not in the area or if they recognize their presence they minimize the impact the gangs are having. I wonder if Newark had taken a "head in the sand" approach to the gangs when they started surfacing. Since I don't live there or in the area I am truly curious if Newark's initial response to gangs was denial/ignorance and if so, did that help create the issues they're facing today. I see communities in the area I live demonstrate similar denial to gangs, the PD is well aware and being proactive, but the residents and press seem to be downplaying it. Any thoughts George, or anyone else familiar with Newark?

In my view, there has been no denial at all. They know that is the problem and they have a very aggressive multi-agency anti-gang initiative. The problem is they are outmanned and, very often, outgunned.

But, as the citizens of Newark are discovering, this is far from solely a law enforcement problem. This is a community problem. Once the members of the community start taking responsibility for the households and their neighborhoods, and refuse to accept this level of violence as "normal", the tide will change.

I've worked EMS in urban areas and I have had many investigations that have taken me to places like Newark, Camden, Trenton and Jersey City. When you get in there and you actually talk to these people, you find out that the overwhelming majority of them are good, decent people who are stuck in this situation or who do not want to leave. The violent, criminal element and the drug industry is definitely in the minority. The community in Newark is awakening to this reality. I hope it works.

[Bones42]

this is far from solely a law enforcement problem. This is a community problem. Once the members of the community start taking responsibility for the households and their neighborhoods, and refuse to accept this level of violence as "normal", the tide will change.
Nah, let's blame the "system" instead. ;)

[mvfd27]

Thanks George, like I said in this area it seems to be the only people concerned with it are the police and the people whose kids are getting caught up in the gangs. The media and others are downplaying it, trying to keep up the image of a safe, happy midwestern heartland city. But, the police are very proactive and for the most part staying on top of things.

Thanks again for the answer.:)

[SapphyreBlues]

SapphyreBlues, I'm guessing you really don't know much about gangs?

Consider yourself lucky that you do not have any in your area. :)

Yeah, I've been informed of that several times in this thread. Along with the fact that I'm "ignorant", "pathetic", and "clueless". :rolleyes: Hey, I was just throwing out ideas and making conversation like everybody else. :)

I do consider myself lucky or blessed. Whichever. It's not a perfect place I live in, but at least I can go outside at night without worrying about being shot. Or worse.

I'll leave this thread with this....May God help them, because whatever they're doing certainly isn't helping. God can help when all else fails. I'll probably get flamed for that remark, but I don't care. :)

**edited to add...**
If things start to get better up that way, please post about it. I'd really like to see some good news coming from there soon. Y'all might think that sounds stupid coming from someone sitting here in TN while all that's up in NJ. Well there are innocent people up there that don't deserve what they're going through. I have Never heard any of this on the news. And that's sad. Really it is. NJ really isn't that big of a state. And for that many cities - and major ones - to be taken over is terrible. Well not "taken over" but you know what I mean.

Nonetheless, I don't wanna go back and forth about the "what to do's" anymore. Anyways, if any of y'all from NJ hear about the PD or any task force making headway with those people, please post about it. I don't have time to sit and search for stuff, since I'm busy with my grandma and things around the house. Besides, like I've said, it's not reported on so I'd be busy searching for a while :rolleyes: So if y'all don't care pass some info along to me if you hear anything, as I'm interested in how this will turn out. :)

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Good solid police work. But this is going to get worse before it gets better. This scumbag is an illegal (imagine that) who has been indicted twice already this year. In July, he was indicted for raping and threatening to kill, a little girl. Strangely, no prosecution official wants to talk about his bail status.

Don't even ask about the death penalty. We had it, but handled put anyone to death since 1963. Then, the NJ Supreme Court took it away last year.

Newark slaying suspect pleads not guilty
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- A suspect accused of murdering three college students and wounding a fourth pleaded not guilty today to the crimes.

Speaking through an Spanish-language interpreter, Jose Carranza said he understood the charges against him. It was his first court appearance since he surrendered Thursday to Mayor Cory A. Booker.

Carranza, an Orange resident who is from Peru and in the country illegally, could barely be heard in the courtroom, as Booker and relatives of the victims looked on.

Bail was continued at $1 million for Carranza, and state Superior Court Judge Michael R. Casale ordered that the suspect be held apart from other inmates at the Essex County Jail for his protection.

Carranza's lawyer, Felix Lopez Montalvo, declined to comment after the 11-minute hearing.

A second suspect, a 15-year-old boy, has been held pending a detention hearing. Authorities are seeking to have him tried as an adult

The shootings ratcheted up anger in New Jersey's largest city, where overall crime has declined but where the number of killings continued at last year's pace with 60 homicides so far this year. The killings have prompted billboards in the downtown area that scream, "HELP WANTED: Stop the Killings in Newark Now!"

Authorities said they hoped to make more arrests in the execution-style killings.

"We believe that others were involved in this heinous crime," Essex County Prosecutor Paula T. Dow said. "We're looking for them."

The arrests were disclosed Thursday in a series of dramatic events, which included the direct involvement of the mayor.

When Carranza, 28, surrendered, "He said no words whatsoever," Booker said. In turn, "I had absolutely nothing to say to this individual."

On Wednesday night, police arrested the 15-year-old from Newark. Then, during a news conference Thursday announcing that arrest and the search for Carranza, Booker got word that Carranza wanted to surrender.

Hours later, Carranza, hands cuffed behind his back and wearing a black "Hulkamania" T-shirt and light-colored shorts, was escorted into police headquarters via a back door. He did not respond to questions as he was taken inside.

Booker said Carranza had at least three prior arrests and was facing an aggravated assault charge in a separate case.

According to court records obtained by The Star-Ledger of Newark, Carranza was indicted by grand juries in New Jersey twice this year _ in April on aggravated assault and weapons charges; and in July on 31 counts which included aggravated sexual assault of a child under 13 years old and endangering the welfare of a child he had a duty to supervise.

Authorities do not believe the four victims knew the assailants before encountering them Saturday. Carranza and the teen are not related, Dow said, but she didn't elaborate on how they knew each other. The teen's name was not released because of his age.

The four victims, friends aged 18 to 20, were shot while visiting in a school yard not far from their homes Saturday night. Authorities have said robbery appeared to be the motive.

Terrance Aeriel, 18, Dashon Harvey, 20, and Iofemi Hightower, 20, were forced to kneel against a wall and were shot at close range. The fourth victim, 19-year-old Natasha Aeriel, Terrance Aeriel's sister, survived a wound to her head and is hospitalized.

Despite being under sedation for periods of time, Natasha Aeriel was able to help authorities identify the suspects, the mayor said.

Officials said fingerprints on a bottle found at the shooting scene and ballistics evidence tied Carranza to the crime. Carranza and the teen were charged with three counts of first degree murder, one count of attempted murder, and other charges.

Police Director Garry F. McCarthy declined say if authorities had determined who fired shots and what kind of weapon or weapons were used.

In response to the crime, residents and law enforcement organizations donated $150,000 to aid the victims' families and to a reward fund.

All four victims were planning to attend Delaware State University this fall. Instead, three were to be buried Saturday in separate services.

[mvfd27]

Good to hear they got some of the people involved in this tragedy. Hopefully, if there are others, they can catch them too. Nothing can bring the 3 lives lost, but at least the families can get some closure knowing those responsible will get what they deserve.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Never mind. I was wrong. He didn't do it.

To his family, an innocent man
Friday, August 10, 2007
BY WILLIAM KLEINKNECHT AND BRIAN DONOHUE
Star-Ledger Staff
Ten months ago he was charged with assaulting bar patrons with a broken bottle and a chair.

Last month, a 31-count indictment accused him of raping a little girl repeatedly over a four-year period and threatening to kill her family.

Yet for all this, police say, Jose Carranza managed to make bail and stay on the streets long enough to commit the crime that has sent shock waves through the region -- the executions of three college students in a Newark schoolyard Saturday.

"This is not an individual who should be loose on the streets," Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura said. "He needs to be locked away."

But while police see him as a ruthless killer, neighbors described Carranza as a doting father who was often seen walking with his daughter on the street in the working-class neighborhood in Orange.

Carranza's three-story house on Lakeside Avenue is clad in light-green aluminum siding, its front yard littered with children's toys and lawn gnomes. In a home with Peruvians on the first floor and Salvadorans on the second, 10 American flags were stuck in the front lawn.

Carranza lives five doors down from his sister, Diana, who said he worked in demolition, but who had no other details about his employment.

"He works, he's an honest, quiet person," the sister said as she stood on the steps of her home. The sister said he lived with his wife, his infant daughter, his sister, her two children and his wife's sister.

A brother, Jesus Larchire, said the family is from northern Peru, but he declined to comment about Carranza's immigration status.

Marilyn Ward, who lives on the other side of Diana Carranza's house on Lakeside Avenue, said she was shocked when she heard Jose Carranza had been charged with the schoolyard murders.

"I just can't comprehend that," Ward said. "The man is nothing like that. He's never shown that character at all."

Ward said Carranza even mowed her lawn and helped her carry heavy furniture. She said he was part of a tight-knit family: "They were very family-oriented." She said she would often go to birthday parties for his many nieces and nephews in his home or his sister's house a few doors down.

The image of Carranza as a family man and solid neighbor contrasts with the picture painted by his arrest record.

Carranza, 28, was charged in January with committing a range of sex acts with the girl over a four-year period in Newark, beginning when she was 5. He is also accused of threatening to kill her and her family in what authorities said was an attempt at witness intimidation, according to court records.

He posted $150,000 bail in February and was released from the Essex County Jail.

Last month, the sexual assault charges against Carranza resulted in a 31-count indictment that accuses him of aggravated sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and other crimes.

He is accused of having sexual relations with the child, now 9, between 2003 and this year, according to court records. He is charged under a statute reserved for people who assault children under their care, but prosecutors would not comment on his relationship to the child. He is awaiting trial before Superior Court Judge Thomas Vena.

The same judge is also handling the assault charges, in which Carranza and Persy Leyva, 28, were charged on Oct. 21, 2006, with assaulting four patrons with a broken bottle and a chair at Huguito's, a small Peruvian restaurant and bar at White Street and Ashland Avenue in West Orange, according to court records. He was released from jail after posting $50,000 bail.

Carranza was charged in the assault case under an alias, Jose Larchire.

Fontoura said his staff checked Carranza's Social Security number yesterday and found it was bogus.


SPEAKING UP FOR BROTHER

Felix Lopez-Montalvo, the attorney who is representing Carranza in all three cases, would not comment. But Carranza's sister, Diana, said her brother was at her home at the time of the killings and turned himself in because he was innocent.

"What would you do," the sister asked, "would you be on the run or would you turn yourself in?"

Larchire also said his brother is innocent.

Larchire said police came to the homes of several family members last night for questioning and took him into custody. After Larchire was released from police custody at 5 a.m., he was watching a Spanish-language television station with his family when they saw the news. Soon afterward, Carranza called to tell his mother he was turning himself in.

"My mother was worried, so he said, 'Listen, I don't have nothing to do with this,'" Larchire said. "He told my mother, 'Don't worry about it, there's something wrong here.'"

Larchire said that if Carranza was guilty, he would have fled the country.

[mvfd27]

Kinda throws an interesting twist in things based on his family's statements. But, I have seen in plenty of murder cases that the family says "so and so would never do that and he was with me the whole night"

But, families will lie to protect their own. But there are alot times the cops and DA go after wrong person. So, it should be interesting to see how this all plays out. Ideally, the right person will get the appropriate punishment in the end.

[Bones42]

Carranza and the teen are not related, Dow said, but she didn't elaborate on how they knew each other. Was this act, (possibly) by the 15 year old, his Gang initiation?

[SapphyreBlues]

Good solid police work. But this is going to get worse before it gets better. This scumbag is an illegal (imagine that) who has been indicted twice already this year. In July, he was indicted for raping and threatening to kill, a little girl. Strangely, no prosecution official wants to talk about his bail status.

Don't even ask about the death penalty. We had it, but handled put anyone to death since 1963. Then, the NJ Supreme Court took it away last year.

1.) He's an illegal. 2.) He's been charged with assault. 3.) He's been charged with 31 counts of sexual assault on a child under 13 4.) he's charged with 4 counts of murder.

The first offense should have been enough to get loser off the street. After all he's ILLEGAL. What part of that don't they understand? And what's worse, all of these charges have come up in the last year.

And nobody wants to talk of his bail status? Isn't that public information? I know the Kingsport Times News has a big ole For Your Information page that tells who did what to who and where. Even has all the FD calls on it. So is there any way to find out?

I know that in drug rings they will let certain people "get by" because they "supply information". I can't see that being the case here. If it is indeed so, um, Hello -- these aren't pee ant pot possession charges. These are Felonies!

As for the death penalty, to quote a comedian, "If you come to Texas and kill somebody, we will kill you back!" TN doesn't do it as often as TX, but we have it. And you will hear NO complaints from me. So NJ doesn't have it anymore. Pity. Because when - or if - the guy is convicted, he'll be staying at the Government Hilton, with expenses paid by the legal, law abiding residents of your state. I don't know if they have anything in NJ where you have to pay to be in prison, but somehow I doubt that Peru is gonna pick up the tab. And if NJ prisons are like some others I've heard of, he'll probably be living better than his victims' families. :mad:

"He works, he's an honest, quiet person," the sister said as she stood on the steps of her home. The sister said he lived with his wife, his infant daughter, his sister, her two children and his wife's sister.

"I just can't comprehend that," Ward said. "The man is nothing like that. He's never shown that character at all."

Ward said Carranza even mowed her lawn and helped her carry heavy furniture. She said he was part of a tight-knit family: "They were very family-oriented." She said she would often go to birthday parties for his many nieces and nephews in his home or his sister's house a few doors down.

The image of Carranza as a family man and solid neighbor contrasts with the picture painted by his arrest record.

Oh well, you're right, this here just proves that he's innocent, George. He's a fine man. :rolleyes:

Whoa, wait a minute. Isn't this just about the same thing they said about Ted Bundy? John Wayne Gacy? and Jeffrey Dahmer? Weren't they all good neighbors too? And that BTK killer. He was considered an upstanding citizen. Well maybe piece of fodder isn't exactly who they thought he was :mad:

[Bones42]

These are Felonies! They are charges, not convictions yet. You can be charged with lots of things and it can all mean nothing.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

They are charges, not convictions yet. You can be charged with lots of things and it can all mean nothing.

Give her a break. She has already proven a profound ignorance to the way our government works.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

The latest...

A third suspect wanted in connection with the execution-style killings of three college students Saturday night in a Newark schoolyard was taken into custody this afternoon, law enforcement sources said.

The suspect, a juvenile, was removed from a home in Morristown, the sources said.

Paul Louriquet, a spokesman for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, said "there have been developments with a third suspect, but not an arrest."

Investigators believe up to five people participated in the crime, which was chilling enough to thrust New Jersey's largest city into the national spotlight. Jose Larchire Carranza, a 28-year-old illegal immigrant from Peru and a 15-year-old boy are already in custody. Authorities are still looking to question one more adult and one juvenile, law enforcement officials with knowledge of the investigation said.

This morning, Larchire Carranza, who surrendered to authorities Thursday, pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder, attempted murder, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and weapons offenses.

During the proceedings at the Essex County Courthouse in Newark, Larchire Carranza's lawyer, Felix Lopex-Montalvo, said the defendant does not have a Social Security number and is in the United States illegally.

"My client has no documentation," said the lawyer, Felix Lopez-Montalvo.

In a news conference afterward, Essex County Prosecutor Paula Dow and other officials would not comment about whether prosecutors had reported Larchire Carranza's illegal status to federal authorities after his two previous arrests, which include a charge of child rape.

The federal government encourages, but does not require, local authorities to contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents when they arrest someone who appears to be in the country illegally.

Since Larchire Carranza's surrender yesterday, federal immigration authorities have placed a detainer on him, requiring that immigration authorities be notified if he is ever released from custody, said Adam Puharic, a spokesman for the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

Dow, meanwhile, said New Jersey would retain jurisdiction over Larchire Carranza throughout this criminal case, and until he finishes his prison sentence if he is convicted.

"He is not leaving our system until this matter is adjudicated," she said. "We have him and he is ours."

Dow would not discuss Larchire Carranza's relationship to the 15-year-old arrested Wednesday night or the others being sought.

Authorities believe five people were present during the robbery and shootings that killed Terrance Aeriel, 18, and 20-year-olds Dashon Harvey and Iofemi Hightower, on the playground of the Mount Vernon School in Newark's Ivy Hill section.

A fourth victim, Natasha Aeriel, was critically wounded and remains hospitalized under police protection.

All four were planning to attend Delaware State University in the fall.

Authorities have said Natasha Aeriel helped identify at least one of the suspects.

Larchire Carranza, a stocky, bushy-haired man, showed no emotion today as he was arraigned in a courtroom brimming with television cameras, victim's family members and elected officials, including Dow, Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura and Newark Mayor Cory Booker.

He wore an orange jail-issued jumpsuit and handcuffs and communicated via a Spanish-speaking translator. He is being held on $1 million bail.

Larchire Carranza, an Orange resident, is married and has a daughter described as 1 or 2 years old. He was facing two sets of criminal charges even before police identified him as a suspect in the Newark triple murder.

According to court records, he was charged with aggravated assault and weapons counts stemming from a bar fight last October. In the more serious case, when he was charged as Jose Larchire, he is accused of repeatedly raping a girl over a four-year period.

The assaults began when the child was almost 5 years old, according to an indictment handed up last month. The alleged attacks ended in January. Larchire Carranza was free on bail and awaiting trial in both criminal cases when he turned himself in Thursday.

Larchire Carranza will be held in protective custody in the Essex County Jail. The 15-year-old, whose name is being withheld by The Star-Ledger because of his age, is being held at an undisclosed juvenile detention center outside the county.

Dow, Fontoura, Booker and others met afterward with victims' family members, who left the courthouse without making comments to reporters. Dow said Booker presented them with a check to help with their funeral expenses.

Two people who sheriff's officers identified as the mother and the brother of the defendant were also in the courtroom. The mother, whose name was not immediately available, bowed her head and cried.

After the proceeding, the sheriff's department escorted them to their car through a throng of television cameras.

[SapphyreBlues]

They are charges, not convictions yet. You can be charged with lots of things and it can all mean nothing.

I know that they are just charges and not convictions. There is a big difference. But what I'm saying is if they are just using this guy for info, it seems to me that he's "appearing" to be a bit too dangerous for that. These are not misdemeanor charges. That's what I'm getting at. If he's innocent, then he's innocent. But if he's guilty, then they need to do something with him, and stop using him for info. But that entire situation is just hypothetical. I was just referring to what could be going on, as to why they aren't releasing any info on him.

Say he knows a lot of gang members he could narc on. That's great. But meanwhile, if they are just letting him go and go, look at what he's doing in the process. If indeed he's guilty.

Hope I cleared that up a bit.

[SapphyreBlues]

Give her a break. She has already proven a profound ignorance to the way our government works.

I know the difference between charges and convictions. I obviously didn't make myself clear enough with the way I had it written.

And thanks for the "ignorance" reference again. As if you haven't said it enough :rolleyes:

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

This article has extensive coverage of the prosecutor's office refusal to discuss the bail situation of the illegal alien.

08/10/07 - Posted from the Daily Record newsroom
Morristown man arrested in Newark shootings
STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

MORRISTOWN — Agents from the Essex County Prosecutor’s office arrested an individual on Garden Street this afternoon in connection with the schoolyard shootings in Newark.

“What I have been told is that an arrest was made on Garden Street today of one of the individuals involved in the murders in Newark,” said Mayor Donald Cresitello.

The mayor said he had no other information on the case and referred any inquires about it to the police department. A call to the the department seeking information was not immediately returned.

A spokesman for the Essex County Prosecutor's office, Paul Loriquet, confirmed Friday that detectives had arrested a man but said he could not provide any other details. A press conference was scheduled for late Friday night, he said.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert Bianchi said he learned this afternoon that investigators from Essex County were in Morristown today and took a male into custody. Bianchi said he was waiting for confirmation that the male was connected to the schoolyard shootings of three college students in Newark.

The Morristown Police Department had cordoned off a three-family home at 8 Garden St. this afternoon and agents from the Essex County Prosecutor were also on the scene.

One suspect in the murder of the three students pleaded not guilty Friday as prosecutors tried to explain why the illegal immigrant from Peru was granted bail earlier this year when charged with assault and child rape.

Speaking through a Spanish interpreter, Jose Carranza, 28, said he understood the charges against him, which include the attempted murder of a fourth student and robbery. It was his first court appearance since he surrendered Thursday to Mayor Cory A. Booker.

A second suspect, a 15-year-old boy, pleaded not guilty Thursday and remains in custody, Assistant Essex County Prosecutor Thomas McTigue said Friday. Authorities are seeking to have the boy tried as an adult.

Essex County Prosecutor Paula T. Dow would not answer questions about how Carranza was released on bail on previous charges this year, despite his immigration status.

Carranza was indicted by grand juries in New Jersey twice this year -- in April on aggravated assault and weapons charges; and in July on 31 counts which included aggravated sexual assault of a child under 13 years old and endangering the welfare of a child he had a duty to supervise.

He was released on $50,000 bail on the assault case, which stemmed from a barroom fight, and $150,000 bail on the sexual assault indictment, which charged that the abuse began in 2003 when the girl was 4 years old and continued to this year.

“If Essex County had questioned the individuals immigration status, he would not have been released,” Cresitello said. “He would not have been released if they had a 287G agreement with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) which automatically links them with ICE.”

Cresitello said 287G would deals with this type of arrest.

“It deals with this absolute situation,” he said. “It does not deal with round ups. It does not deal with day labors.Iit does not deal with civil penalties.”

In an interview on CNN, Dow said the "uproar" over his immigration status is "going to have to wait for another day."

"We realize that's an issue out here in our criminal justice system, and we are addressing it," Dow added.

The assistant prosecutor handling the murder case, Thomas McTigue, said, "Our focus hasn't been his immigration status."

Prosecutors said they did not immediately recall if Carranza's immigration status was known when he was granted bail on the two indictments, and whether they opposed granting bail.

It is rare for illegal immigrants to be granted bail, especially when charged with serious crimes, said Alan L. Zegas, a noted New Jersey defense lawyer.

"The level of risk of flight increases exponentially when a person is not a citizen of this country and has few, if any, roots here," Zegas said.

On Friday, Carranza, who lives in nearby Orange, could barely be heard in the courtroom, as Booker and relatives of the victims looked on. Carranza wore an orange prison jumpsuit and was handcuffed in front of his body. He stared at the judge and glanced at his lawyer.

State Superior Court Judge Michael R. Casale continued the $1 million bail and ordered that Carranza be held apart from other inmates at the Essex County Jail for his protection.

Carranza's lawyer, Felix Lopez Montalvo, declined to comment after the 11-minute hearing.

Authorities do not believe the four victims knew the assailants before encountering them Saturday night. Carranza and the teen are not related, Dow said, but she didn't elaborate on how they knew each other. The teen's name was not released because of his age.

The four victims, friends aged 18 to 20, were shot while visiting in a school yard not far from their homes Saturday night. Authorities have said robbery appeared to be the motive.

Terrance Aeriel, 18, Dashon Harvey, 20, and Iofemi Hightower, 20, were forced to kneel against a wall and were shot at close range. The fourth victim, 19-year-old Natasha Aeriel, Terrance Aeriel's sister, survived a wound to her head and is hospitalized.

Despite being under sedation for periods of time, Natasha Aeriel was able to help authorities identify the suspects, the mayor said.

All four victims were planning to attend Delaware State University this fall. Instead, three will be buried Saturday.

[SapphyreBlues]

One suspect in the murder of the three students pleaded not guilty Friday as prosecutors tried to explain why the illegal immigrant from Peru was granted bail earlier this year when charged with assault and child rape.

***

Essex County Prosecutor Paula T. Dow would not answer questions about how Carranza was released on bail on previous charges this year, despite his immigration status.

***

“If Essex County had questioned the individuals immigration status, he would not have been released,” Cresitello said. “He would not have been released if they had a 287G agreement with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) which automatically links them with ICE.”

Cresitello said 287G would deals with this type of arrest.

***

Prosecutors said they did not immediately recall if Carranza's immigration status was known when he was granted bail on the two indictments, and whether they opposed granting bail.

It is rare for illegal immigrants to be granted bail, especially when charged with serious crimes, said Alan L. Zegas, a noted New Jersey defense lawyer.

Ok, lemme get this straight. According to this, they aren't discussing how he got bail. But they said that if they had known he was illegal, they wouldn't have let him post bail. They did not have contact with the ICE, who would have known if he was legal or not. Prosecutors then said they didn't know if his status was known or not when he was released.

Is it just me or does it sound like they dropped the ball with this guy? I say they aren't answering questions because it makes them look bad. I mean, how hard is it to call somebody?

The bad thing is, is if he is found guilty of those charges, if they had held him without bail, those could have been prevented. If they had made one phone call to check this guy out, perhaps those people would be alive today :( I mean, I'm not God, I don't know. But it seems like they would be. And something else. If he could have been held without bail after the bar fight, maybe that little girl could have seen some peace. If he was guilty of it. He's yet to be tried, but you know what I'm saying.

Just a passing thought....how in the world do you come up with that kind of money to post bail? I know bail is 1/10, but at $50,000 and $150,000 bail, that's still a chunk of change :eek: If he went through a bondsman, when he was sent to court a second time, wouldn't that immediately break bond for him - innocent or not, just by having to go to court? Having never been in trouble with the law, I am not sure, that's why I'm asking about the bond revocation thing.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

As I said, good solid police work;

Warrant issued for 4th suspect in Newark schoolyard killings
Posted by Jonathan Schuppe and Mark DiIonno
August 11, 2007 9:50PM


On the same day Newark buried three victims of last week's schoolyard slayings, authorities today identified a 24-year-old Nicaraguan national with a record of robbery and weapons arrests as a "principal player" in the execution-style attack.

Rodolfo Godinez, who lives in the city's Ivy Hill neighborhood where the killings occurred, has been the subject of an intense manhunt since Friday, when detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging him with murder, robbery and weapons offenses, authorities said.

Godinez, who also goes by the name Rodolfo Gomez, is the fourth suspect identified in the killings and remained at large last night. Investigators are continuing to search for him as well as two other suspects -- both teenagers, according to two law enforcement sources who asked not to be identified because they are not allowed to speak publicly about the case.

Three people are already under arrest: Jose Lachira Carranza, of Orange, a 28-year-old illegal immigrant from Peru, and two juveniles: a 15-year-old boy from Newark and a 15-year-old boy from Morristown. Essex County Prosecutor Paula Dow has said she expects the other suspects will be arrested by the end of this week.

Authorities released Godinez's name and photograph yesterday morning, at the same time funeral services were being held for Dashon Harvey, 20, Terrance Aeriel, 18, and Iofemi Hightower, 20. Aeriel's sister, 19-year-old Natasha, was shot in the face, but survived. She remains hospitalized, but has been helping investigators identify the attackers.

All four victims were preparing to attend Delaware State University this fall and dozens of students from the college attended yesterday's services.

Mayor Cory Booker, Police Director Garry McCarthy and Essex County Prosecutor Paula Dow, all of whom attended the funerals, held an impromptu news conference at Branch Brook Park in Newark after Harvey's funeral, the morning's first. They said they interrupted their schedule to ask the public's assistance in tracking down Godinez.

"Obviously, our focus is on the three funerals, but we broke away because we need the public's help," Booker said. "We're going to find (Godinez), we're going to find all of them and bring them to justice."

Authorities continue to offer a $150,000 reward for information leading to the killers' arrest and inditcment. The case was also featured tonight on Fox television's America's Most Wanted (www.amw.com).

McCarthy called Godinez a "principal player" in the attack, which occurred last Saturday night as the four friends were hanging out behind the Mount Vernon School. The attackers announced a robbery, shot Natasha Aeriel, then marched the others to a wall, where they shot each of them once in the back of the head.

Hightower also had knife wounds to her face and arm, which authorities say may have been inflicted by a machete.

Godinez has lived on Midland Avenue and Manor Drive in Newark, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement records indicated he may have also been in the country illegally. Rodolfo Antonio Godinez Gomez entered the U.S. from Nicaragua on Oct. 24, 1992. He was ordered deported on May 5, 1993, but it isn't clear if he ever left the country, according to Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontura.

"It seems to me that he was illegal," he said tonight.

Godinez was first arrested as a juvenile on June 21, 1999 in South Orange for robbery which was downgraded to theft for which he got 18 months probation. In September 2002, he was arrested in Irvington for aggravated assault, robbery and weapons possession. He was indicted but its not clear what happened after that. In April 2003, he was arrested for robbery in Newark which was downgraded to theft and got 18 months probation, Essex County records show.

Authorities have been arresting and identifying the alleged attackers since getting their first big break in the case: lifting a fingerprint from a Colt 45 beer bottle that was left at the crime scene. They matched the print to Carranza, whom Natasha Aeriel identified in a photo array from her hospital bed. While searching for Carranza, they came across the 15-year-old Newark boy, who admitted his role in the crime and named other accomplices, the law enforcement sources said.

Near Godinez's home on Midland Avenue yesterday, neighbors said it was not uncommon to see him sitting on the stoop of the pale red brick house where he rented a second floor apartment for $975 per month with his mother, Gloria.

He would sit with friends, hanging out, smoking cigarettes, they said. But since the shootings the group has been out of sight. Officers, however, have made several visits to the property over the last several days.

Staff writer Katie Wang contributed to this report.

[SapphyreBlues]

Wow they are really getting those guys in fast.

A lot of people gripe about "how slow" police do their work. Well real PD work isn't a 1 hour drama, wrapped up in a nice package. :rolleyes:

Anyways, got off track a bit there. Yeah, I can see them rounding up the whole lot of them before too long. At this rate, it'll be pretty soon.

Thanks for the updates, George :)

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

MORE good solid police work.....

Final suspect seized in Newark execution slayings
Posted by Jonathan Schuppe, Ralph R. Ortega, Jeffery C. Mays and Alexi Friedman August 19, 2007 4:03PM

Authorities today said they arrested the sixth and final suspect in the execution-style murder of three college students and wounding of a fourth in Newark.

The suspect, 18-year-old Melvin Jovel, was taken into custody at 3:45 a.m. in a relative's home in Elizabeth in Union County, authorities said. Detectives from Newark Police department's homicide squad and investigators from the Essex County Prosecutor's Office made the arrest, according to Newark police. He was taken without incident.

Jovel was charged with three counts of murder, four counts of robbery, one count of attempted murder, two weapons offenses and conspiracy to commit robbery, said Charlotte Smith, executive assistant Essex County prosecutor. Those are the same charges as his co-defendants, Newark police said.

While Jovel lives in Elizabeth, police said, he appears to have deep roots in Newark. Sharlatte Saunders, 17, said she used to see him hanging around with several of the other suspects already seized in the killings.

He attended Mount Vernon School -- where the shootings took place in the schoolyard -- and Vailsburg Middle School, she said, and grew up a couple of blocks from the scene of the killings.

Jovel does not appear to have any criminal arrests as an adult, police said. Although all of the suspects have been apprehended, police are still calling it "an active investigation," and say they are withholding "several details" related to the case to ensure its integrity.

Superior Court Judge Michael Ravin ordered Jovel held on $2 million bond at the Essex County Jail, law enforcement authorities said. In a statement, Mayor Cory Booker said, "Now the process of healing must take center stage and the prosecution of the case begins."

The apprehension comes just a day after police arrested 24-year-old Rodolfo Godinez and his half brother, Alexander Alfaro, 16, outside Washington, D.C. In fact, police arrested Jovell after having gathered leads from those arrests in Virginia and Maryland, authorities said.

Investigators have called Godinez a "principal player" in the Aug. 4 slayings, along with Jose Lachira Carranza, 28, who turned himself in Aug. 9. Police have said they believe Carranza fired one or more of the fatal bullets. Investigators say Godinez, a Nicaraguan immigrant, had been hiding inside a low-rise apartment complex in Oxon Hill, Md., for about a week until his arrest early Saturday morning. Alfaro was arrested in Woodbridge, Va.

All six are charged in the schoolyard slayings of Newark residents Dashon Harvey, 20, Terrance Aeriel, 18, and Iofemi Hightower, 20. Terrance Aeriel's sister, Natasha, 19, was shot in the head but survived.

[SapphyreBlues]

wow that's great. Now that the police have done their job, it's up to the courts. Let's just hope they don't really drop the ball on this one. I'd hate to see all that hard police work be in vain. Since some are illegals, I seriously hope it isn't turned into a political circus. I just want to see justice done.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

This is way too long to post verbatim. If you want to read the facts of this case and about the solid police work that went into solving this crime, read this:

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-12/1187931408223980.xml&coll=1