Deborah Burton, 62, was shot and killed on March 13, 2017, in Newark near 43 Third Street. She had been out running errands after dropping off a family member when the attack occurred at about 1:45 p.m.; she was pronounced dead at University Hospital shortly afterward. Family say she was a grandmother and mother of four and that she was shot multiple times in the back and managed to crawl to the street to cry for help.

Initial reports treated the incident as a possible carjacking after Burton’s 2012 Chevy was found a few blocks away, but investigators later said there was no evidence supporting that motive. Essex County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Task Force handled the investigation; months after the slaying authorities released surveillance photos of two women seen carrying what was believed to be Burton’s Coach pocketbook and identified them as persons of interest. The reward for information was later raised to $20,000.

Anyone who knew Deborah, saw activity around 43 Third Street on March 13, 2017, or has information about the two women in the photos is asked to come forward.