Bar Attack Ruled a Homicide

A city man has been charged in an attack against another man outside a bar in May that ultimately led to the victim's death, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office and the Newark Police Department said in a joint statement released Monday night.

Gerlin Motta, 33, was attacked outside a bar on Christie Street May 20. He died from his injuries more than a month later, on June 27, the prosecutor's office said. The death was ruled a homicide two days later. 

On June 13, 39-year-old Alvaro Portillo of Newark was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. Authorities belive additional susoects are involved, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly, who directs the homicide unit, said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips hotline at 1-877-847-7432.