In the city of Newark, New Jersey, a beloved local figure, Eric 'Uggie' Bowens, a 44-year-old male, was a man known for his infectious energy and love of dance. Often seen with a radio in hand, he would entertain crowds on street corners and at parties with the latest dance moves. His presence was a familiar and welcome sight within the community, bringing joy to many.
On the night of November 7, 2016, which was also his 44th birthday, the vibrant life of Eric Bowens was tragically cut
short. At approximately 10:40 p.m., on the 200 block of Bergen Street, gunshots rang out. Newark police officers responded to the scene to find Bowens suffering from a gunshot wound in front of a residence. He was rushed to University Hospital, but his injuries proved fatal, and he was pronounced dead at 11:15 p.m.
The news of Bowens' death sent shockwaves through the Newark community, leading to an outpouring of grief and condolences on social media. Friends and residents remembered him as a loving person who wouldn't have sought out trouble. The Newark Fire Department, of which he was considered a good friend, also issued a statement mourning his loss. Many believed that Bowens was not the intended target of the shooting.
In the wake of the killing, law enforcement officials began an investigation into his death. The Essex County Prosecutor's Office urged anyone with information to come forward and offered a reward for tips that would lead to an arrest and conviction. The initial reward of $10,000 was later increased to $20,000 as the search for his killer continued. Despite the public pleas for information and the reward offered, no suspects were publicly identified, and no arrests were announced in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. The community was left to mourn a local icon while waiting for justice.
