JERSEY CITY — Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced on Aug. 30 that a fifth person has been arrested in connection with last month’s murder of Ronald Witherspoon, Jr.
On July 22 at approximately 12:30 a.m., Jersey City Police Officers responded to the area of Monticello and Belmont Avenues on a report of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers found the 16-year-old victim, Witherspoon, with an apparent gunshot wound to his head. Witherspoon was transported to the Jersey City Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition until he died from his injuries on July 23.
An arrest warrant had been issued for Marquis Nicken, age 21, on Aug. 1. He was apprehended by Jersey City Police on Saturday, August 29 after the Prosecutor’s Homicide Unit received an anonymous tip and immediately shared it with Jersey City Police. Nicken was arrested without incident at a residence on Ocean Avenue. Nicken was charged with Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Nicken’s bail has been set at $750,000.00 cash or bond.
Four arrests were already made in connection with the fatal shooting. On Wednesday, Aug. 19, , Dwayne Powell, 18, of Jersey City, was arrested in connection with the homicide. On Friday, July 31, Naji McDuffy, 24, of Jersey City, and Darius Evans Emanuel, 21, of Jersey City, were arrested. Justin M. Nesmith, 24, of Jersey City, was arrested on Saturday, Aug. 1. Each faces the same charges as Nicken.
“This is yet another example of collaboration and information-sharing between law enforcement agencies. I commend the quick-thinking efforts of both my homicide detectives and Jersey City police officers from the South District that made this last arrest poss
Our Digital Archive from 2000 – 2016
