Newark Man Arrested for June 1 Murder

A Newark man was charged Friday with the murder of an Irvington man earlier this month, authorities announced.

Leon Thomas, 24, was arrested at a private residence in Newark without incident for allegedly shooting Ronald Kelly, 44, to death June 1 in the area of 727 S. 15th St. in Newark. Thomas is charged with murder and two weapons offenses.

The arrest was made by members of the FBI Gang and Violent Crime Task Force and the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force.

"Here in Newark, we are fortunate to have numerous law enforcement agencies based within our boundaries," said Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio. "The relationships we have been able to nurture over the years with each of those agencies has proven an invaluable resource in our efforts to prevent and reduce crime and arrest violent offenders who often seek shelter in cities throughout the country."

Bail has been set at $750,000. The arraignment is scheduled for sometime next week, but an exact date has not yet been set.

– Staff reports