FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Raymond Worrall
PHONE: (201) 795-6400 Ext. 6737
EMAIL: rworrall@hcpo.org
DATE: Monday, January 7, 2019
ONE ARRESTED AND CHARGED IN WEST NEW YORK HOMICIDE
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has released the following information:
On Friday, January 4, 2019, at approximately 8:30 a.m., an 18-year-old male from West New York was arrested for the murder of Steven Flores. He was arrested without incident at 595 Newark Avenue in Jersey City by members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit. The defendant, who was 17-years-old at the time of the murder, was charged as a juvenile and his name is being withheld at this time.
The defendant has been charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S. 2C:11-3; Possession of a Weapon (Firearm) for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S. 2C:39-4; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Firearm) in violation of N.J.S. 2C:39-5; and Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S. 2C:12-1.
Prosecutor Suarez credited the Homicide Unit for the investigation and arrest as well as the West New York Police Department, the Union City Police Department and the North Bergen Police Department for assisting with the investigation.
On Sunday, December 23, 2018, shortly after 12:00 a.m., the West New York Police Department received a report of shots fired in the area of 61st Street and Park Avenue in West New York. Upon arrival at that location, responding West New York Police Officers found Flores, age 19, of Union City, with an apparent gunshot wound to his upper body. He was pronounced dead at approximately 1:00 a.m.
The Regional Medical Examiner’s Office has determined the Cause of Death to be a gunshot wound to the neck and the Manner of Death to be homicide.
A second victim who suffered non-life threatening injuries was also found at the scene. He was transported by Emergency Medical Services to the hospital.
The above charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).