In the late afternoon of September 5, 2018, the life of Archie C. Crooks, a 39-year-old Black / African American male, was tragically cut short in a fatal shooting in East Orange, New Jersey. The incident unfolded around 5:20 p.m. on the 100 block of Evergreen Place, near the Ramada Hotel. Officers from the East Orange Police Department were dispatched to the scene following reports of a shooting in progress. Upon their arrival, they discovered Crooks unresponsive inside a parked vehicle.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
As law enforcement secured the area, their attention was drawn to a Nissan Altima leaving the vicinity. A pursuit ensued, leading officers into the neighboring city of Newark. The driver of the fleeing vehicle was apprehended and identified as 39-year-old Dwayne Little-John of Newark. Following his arrest, Little-John was charged with conspiracy to commit murder and eluding the police. He was subsequently detained at the Essex County Correctional Facility to await a court appearance.
The investigation into the death of Archie C. Crooks was handled by the Essex County Prosecutor's Homicide Task Force. Authorities have indicated that they believe the shooting was an isolated incident. While an arrest was made in connection with the case, the investigation remains active and ongoing.
