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Newark Man Arrested in Fatal Restaurant Shooting

One dead, two others – including an 81-year-old woman – injured in shooting at the 18th Avenue restaurant

 

A Newark man has been charged with murder after allegedly opening fire inside a popular family-owned restaurant Thursday morning, killing one and wounding two others, including an 81-year-old woman.

Mark S. Melvin, 32, is accused of fatally shooting Fuquan Mosley, 39, of Newark, inside a nondescript breakfast spot on 18th Avenue near S. 13th Street at around 10:40 a.m., according to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.

A woman, who was working at the restaurant, as well as a 42-year-old man were also shot. All three victims were taken to University Hospital, where Mosley was pronounced dead at 11:09 a.m. The woman suffered non-life threatening injuries, while the unidentified man is listed in critical.

Both male victims are believed to have been targeted in the shooting and the motive is under investigation by the Newark Police Department and Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force.

Melvin was arrested after Newark police received a call about the shooting and information that he fled the scene in a Dodge Magnum, according to Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly. Police discovered the car stopped at Avon Avenue and S. 18th Street, at which point Melvin ran from the vehicle.

Melvin, who is currently being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility, has been charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault and weapons offenses. Bail has been set at $1 million by Judge Michael L. Ravin.

A second man was also arrested for outstanding unrelated warrants. That man was not identified by authorities and his involvement in the incident is unclear.

The prosecutor's office identified the restaurant as LC's Place, though it does not have a sign on its storefront. The business is located on the first floor of a three-story brick building across the street from West Side Park in the city's West Ward.

The mom-and-pop restaurant is well-known for items like fish and grits, several people said.

West Ward Councilman Ronald C. Rice, who spoke with police on scene Thursday morning, said he knows the family that owns the restaurant and called the shooting a "tragedy."

"You hate to see this kind of thing happen," he told reporters. "This neighborhood still has its issues but it's coming back."

Kimberly DeHaarte, spokesperson for the City of Newark, released a statement late Thursday expressing outrage over the shooting.

"Although we've taken 639 guns off the street this year versus 418 last year, there are still way too many guns in the wrong hands," she said. "I want extend my condolences to the victims' family and loved ones and want to assure them that our investigators will work to make sure justice is served."

DeHaarte also urged the public to call the police department's anonymous tips lines at 877-NWK-TIPS (695-8477) or 877-NWK-GUNS (695-4867) with any information on Thursday's incident.

[Editor's note: An original version of this story incorrectly listed the address of the shooting. It has since been updated.

This story originally published at 12:56 p.m. It has since been updated.]

Related Topics: Newark Police Department, Shooting, West Ward, and ronald c. rice

stacey n singleton

2:52 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012

west side park is on 16th avenue not 13th avenue, there IS No 12th ave and S. 13th street., by west side park. 13th ave is the other side of S. Orange ave. that would be in the cemetary.

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Lia Eustachewich

2:53 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012

Correction has been made, Stacey. Thanks.

Kelly Guerra

2:52 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012

It has been written that one of the wounded (shot) was an 80 year-old woman! This is a terrible tradegy; my best wishes for her speedy recovery and the safety of all residents in this neighborhood!

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dwayne arrington

4:05 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012

To the family my dad and Gwens Mother both went to church together i wish momma to get well and hope to speak to the family soon God Bless.

Sincerely,
Dwayne M. Arrington & Family

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Zandra

4:05 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012

The residents of Newark seem to be targets for gun practice. This is getting ridiculouse. I know this is a city filled with poverty but we are still human beings that deserve a safe living envirionment. Booker something must be done immediatly!!!

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Zandra

4:05 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012

The residents of Newark seem to be targets for gun practice. This is getting to be obsurd. I know this city is filled with poverty but we are still human beings that deserve a safe living envirionment. Booker something must be done immediatly!!!

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jamillah cox

5:32 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012

Stop the violence can we all get along Cory Booker is not doing something right

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Lisa

8:59 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012

Yes this is terrible but dont blame Booker blame the parents who didnt parent their children properly and who had them out in the streets hanging out all hours of the night while they out there smoking drinking and partying. Blame the parents who was doing the crap with their kids and being their buddies instead of being parents...

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Kelly Guerra

10:35 am on Friday, September 28, 2012

I don't believe this incident had anything to do with children!

Alice

8:59 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012

The sad part is that the people that are doing these killings won't even see these coments. God help us!

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A

8:59 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012

Wanted: a new Mayor for the City of Newark
Wanted: Hire more Police Officers

Suggestion: Utilize the Newark Special Police Officers that your City has, plenty of establishments need armed security.
My prayers go out to the injured. Get well soon.

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cassansra Ivery

3:30 pm on Saturday, September 29, 2012

I eat breakfst at this restaurant, Grandma i wish you a speedy recovery.
May God Bless you and your family.

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Melody Linton

12:04 pm on Sunday, September 30, 2012

1st on the scene & last 1 to ever let u go out of my memory!! When this fades in most minds... I'll still think of u & Luv/Miss u!!
R.I.P Rab!!!!

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Melody Linton

12:04 pm on Sunday, September 30, 2012

We need better parenting.. And to think the individual(s) that's involved In this tragedy & others alike, have children & are growing up worse than what we witness now! R.I.P. Rab.. I will Love & Miss u ALWAYS LILBro'

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Lef

8:40 am on Friday, November 16, 2012

Wow my best wishes to the victims and there famalies

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