After a recent shooting in Newark, New Jersey involving five victims, which left two dead and three injured, police have reportedly identified the son of a Newark imam as the suspected target.
According to officials from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the shooting occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21st in the vicinity of Springfield and Fairmount avenues in Newark. During the incident, 36-year-old Akbar Muhammad, the son of Imam Abdul Akbar Muhammad, as well as 28-year-old East Orange resident Shante Spivey, were both shot while in a vehicle. Muhammad, who was declared deceased at the scene, was in the driver’s seat, while Spivey was a passenger.
Spivey was subsequently transported to Newark’s University Hospital for treatment but did not survive his injuries. The three other victims, one of whom was a juvenile, were also taken to University Hospital, where they are reportedly recovering.
Detectives from the homicide task force at the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office are currently investigating the incident and have yet to report any suspects. Nevertheless, two anonymous law enforcement sources have indicated that investigators suspect Muhammad was the intended target of the shooting.
Reportedly, Muhammad, who was previously arrested on charges including assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, drug-related offenses, robbery, and an alleged shooting, had also served time at the Essex County Correctional Facility. However, those close to him claim that he had turned his life around and was an active member of the Muslim community. His father, Imam Muhammad of the Ali. K. Muslim mosque, located in Newark’s Central Ward, substantiated these claims in a statement about his son’s work at the religious establishment.
If authorities identify and ultimately charge one or more individuals in connection with the January 21st shooting, the accused could be facing charges for multiple counts of homicide, as well as attempted murder and weapons offenses. Homicide crimes, which are governed under N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3, are classified as crimes of the first degree and are punishable by terms of incarceration ranging from 30 years to life in New Jersey State Prison, 30 years of which must be served before those convicted become eligible for parole.
If you are currently facing criminal charges, contact Passaic County criminal defense attorney Alissa D. Hascup for a free consultation about your case.
For more information pertaining to this case, access the following article: Newark imam’s son was target of shooting that left 2 dead, sources say
