On the evening of October 14, 2018, 25-year-old Dante Tyrell Kwame Whitaker was shot and killed near West End and 18th Avenues in Newark’s Upper West Ward. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office opened a homicide investigation into the death of the young Black man, who was born May 4, 1993. Initial reports described the killing as monstrous and said the motive was unclear; there were no immediate arrests announced.

Investigators continued to pursue the case, and two Newark men were later identified and charged in connection with Whitaker’s murder. Both were eventually found guilty at trial. Whitaker’s family and community were left to reckon with the loss of a young life and the violence that took it.

If anyone knew Dante, saw activity in the area that night, or has information that hasn’t been shared with investigators, please come forward.