Newark Store Owner Shot, Killed in Robbery: Police

Police are investigating leads and reviewing surveillance footage

Authorities in Newark are searching for two men in a fatal shooting during a robbery Tuesday evening that left a 37-year-old husband and father of two dead.

Police said Miguel Torres, who owned the JNC Mini Market at 346 16th Ave., was shot inside his business at about 6 p.m. He was transported to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Detectives said one of the two suspects acted as a lookout, while the other fatally shot Torres.

"One individual who entered the store... robbed the store owner, appeared to become impatient at the speed at which the store owner handed over cash, and shot and killed Mr. Torres," said Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murphy.

Customers mourned the loss of the well-known store owner Wednesday.

"He was a nice person," said Zaquetta Reeda, a 17-year resident in the area. "I don't understand why this would happen."

"I go to the store every day," said Rosie Sealy, another neighbor. "I see him every morning. Greets me when I come to the store every day."

Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and pursuing several leads, said Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio.

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