16-year-old teen charged of murder of a 15-year-old and stabbing an 11-year-old in Newark

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced today that a 16-year-old juvenile has been arrested and charged with the murder of 15-year-old Elijah Alvarez of Newark.

The juvenile, who is not being named at this time because of his age, has also been charged with felony murder, attempted murder, burglary, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

It is alleged that the juvenile broke into the victim’s home in the 100 block of Park Avenue in North Newark and fatally stabbed the 16-year-old victim and stabbed an 11-year-old boy. The motive is unclear at this time. Both attended Barringer High School.

Prosecutors are expected to seek to waive the defendant up to adult court.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department, is handling the active and ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.