In the early morning hours of New Year's Eve 2023, a beloved member of Newark's Ironbound community, Jose Fernando Gaona, was killed. The 67-year-old livery cab driver was shot multiple times on Malvern Street at approximately 7:00 a.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene just over twenty minutes later. Gaona, who was only months away from retirement, was reportedly walking to his vehicle, which was part of a family-owned car service, when the attack occurred in what is believed to have been a
robbery.
Family, friends, and coworkers, who described Gaona as a hardworking and dedicated man, as well as an 'excellent husband, grandfather, and father,' gathered at the scene, overcome with grief. The community was left in mourning for a man described as a familiar and friendly face. The Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force is leading the investigation into the fatal shooting.
In the days following the shooting, the Essex County Sheriff's Crime Stoppers Program announced a reward of up to $5,000 for any information that would lead to an arrest. As of early 2024, no arrests had been made in the case, and authorities continue to seek information from the public. The investigation into the death of Jose Fernando Gaona remains ongoing.
