In the early morning hours of August 21, 2018, 26-year-old Michelle Newkirk was struck by gunfire while riding as a backseat passenger in a vehicle on Norwood Street in Newark, New Jersey. The shots came at about 2:11 a.m.; she was taken to University Hospital where her injuries initially were described as not life-threatening, but she died later that morning.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force investigated, canvassing the area and asking the public for help. No suspects were publicly identified and no arrests were announced in the weeks and months afterward. The Essex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers Program offered up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Michelle’s death remains unresolved and a loss for her family and community. If anyone has information about that night on Norwood Street, please come forward.