Man Charged With Murder & Arson Following Kearny Death Investigation

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and the Kearny Police Department are investigating the death of a male that occurred on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

According to Acting Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello, at approximately 6:45 p.m., the Kearny Police Department was notified there was an injured male in the area of Kearny Avenue and Johnston Avenue.  When responding police officers arrived, they located a male who was struck by an arrow.  The victim, who was later identified as 45-year old Pablo Criollo of Harrison, was taken to University Hospital in Newark, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

A press release from the Prosecutor’s Office says that during the initial police investigation, 44-year old Oscar Feijoo of Kearny, was identified as a person of interest.  Law enforcement attempted to make contact with Feijoo at his Kearny Avenue residence. Hudson County Regional SWAT responded when Feijoo barricaded himself inside the home. While members of Hudson County Regional SWAT attempted to make contact with Feijoo, several fires were ignited within the home at approximately 5 a.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025, resulting in a multi-alarm fire response. Feijoo remained barricaded in the home for several hours after fire suppression activities were completed.  Feijoo exited the home armed with knives and was taken into custody shortly before 1 p.m. following a brief standoff.

Feijoo has been charged with murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and aggravated arson.  The Prosecutor’s Office is expected to add more criminal charges.

Acting Prosecutor Mello credits the Homicide Unit, Crime Scene Unit, Hudson County Regional SWAT, and the Kearny Police Department with the investigation and arrest. He also thanked the Kearny, Harrison, North Arlington, Belleville, and Jersey City Fire Departments for swiftly responding to extinguish the fire and the Harrison Police Department for assisting with the investigation.

The above charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.