Authorities are investigating two unrelated homicides that occurred within hours of each other this weekend.
NEWARK--Authorities are investigating two unrelated homicides in Newark that occurred within hours of each other this weekend.
Miguel Lopez Jr., 27, of Elizabeth, was shot and killed in the 100 block of Irving Street Saturday afternoon, Essex County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly said in a release. Lopez was taken to St. Michael's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:44 p.m., Fennelly said. A second man, who Fennelly wouldn't identified for "security reasons," was also shot in the incident and was taken to University Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
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Another man was rushed to University Hospital Sunday morning after he was shot on Cypress Street, Fennelly said. He was pronounced dead at 11:16 a.m. Fennelly wouldn't identify the man, since his family is still being notified.
The shootings come roughly a month after a string of homicides in the city. Newark has seen more than 60 homicides this year, six of which occurred within the span of a week in August.
The recent shootings are not believed to be related, Fennelly said, and are being investigated by the Essex County Prosecutor's Major Crimes Task Force. Anyone with information on either shooting is asked to call detectives at 877-847-7432 or 973-621-4586.
Kathryn Brenzel may be reached at kbrenzel@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @katiebrenzel. Find NJ.com on Facebook
