Newark Man Fatally Shot During Robbery Attempt: Prosecutors

NEWARK, NJ — Authorities arrested a man who allegedly shot a Newark resident to death during an attempted robbery, prosecutors announced Monday.

Marquise Smith, 26, of Newark, was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit murder and felony murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Agustin “Orlando” Pichardo, 51, according to a joint statement from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Newark Department of Public Safety.

Prosecutors allege that Smith fatally shot Pichardo on Saturday during an attempted robbery on the 100-block of 7th Street.

“The victim and another male relative were at a property owned by Pichardo doing maintenance when Smith allegedly attempted to rob them at gunpoint,” prosecutors stated. “During the robbery attempt, Smith allegedly shot Pichardo.”

Pichardo was transported to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:13 p.m. on Saturday.

Smith is in custody at the Essex County Correctional Facility, prosecutors said.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department, is conducting an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information can contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

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