Altariq Johnson, 36, was shot in the early hours of Saturday, October 8, 2022, on the 100 block of Brenner Street in Newark. Police found him with multiple gunshot wounds and he was taken to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:42 a.m. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, working with the Newark Police Department, opened an investigation and appealed to the public for information as the case remained active for months.

A development noted after the initial investigation: in March 2023 authorities announced the arrest of 49-year-old Vernon Crook of Newark, who was charged with murder and four weapons offenses in connection with Johnson’s death. If anyone saw activity on Brenner Street that night or has information that could fill gaps in the timeline, please share what is known.