In the late hours of an autumn evening in Newark, New Jersey, the life of 19-year-old Nazim Cheek was tragically cut short. On October 9, 2020, gunfire erupted on the 100 block of Isabella Avenue, leaving the young man with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest. Police responded to reports of the shooting around midnight and found Cheek at the scene.
He was rushed to University Hospital for medical attention, but his injuries proved to be fatal, and he was pronounced dead a short time later.
The investigation into the shooting painted a grim picture of the final moments of the male victim's life. According to reports, a suspect emerged from a dark-colored vehicle, possibly black, which had a distinctive strip. This individual then opened fire on Nazim Cheek, striking him multiple times before quickly fleeing the scene in the same vehicle. The brazen nature of the attack left the community in shock and mourning.
In the wake of the homicide, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department, launched an active and ongoing investigation. Despite their efforts, no arrests have been made in the case. To encourage witnesses to come forward, the Essex County Sheriff's Crime Stoppers Program has offered a reward of up to $5,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Nazim Cheek's death. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact their tips line, assuring that all calls will be kept confidential as the search for justice continues.
