Davion Sumler, 34, was killed in the early morning hours of August 2, 2022, on the 300 block of South 20th Street in Newark’s Fairmount section. Newark Police found Sumler at about 1:40 a.m. suffering from multiple gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:06 a.m. Witnesses reported a hail of gunfire and police said more than three dozen shots were fired at him.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, working with Newark detectives, led the investigation. For months the case had no arrests; then on March 16, 2023, 23-year-old Juan Leandry of Newark was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Leandry was also charged with second-degree arson and second-degree conspiracy to commit arson; prosecutors did not immediately explain those counts. He was taken to the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. If anyone knew Sumler or has information about the shooting or the events that led to it, please come forward.