Belleville Woman Charged in Fatal Newark Shooting

A 21-year-old Belleville woman was charged with manslaughter Monday in connection with the shooting death of a Newark man over the weekend, authorities said. 

Bridgette Rivera was arrested Monday, two days after authorities allege she shot Michael Perez, 20, of Newark, according to a release from Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Police Director Samuel A. DeMaio. 

A preliminary investigation revealed Rivera was holding a handgun that discharged and fatally shot Perez in his Newark apartment on Saturday.

Perez was shot shortly before at 8 p.m. and died a few hours later at University Hospital, according to the prosecutor's office.

Rivera was charged with manslaughter, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. She is being held on $100,000 bail.

The investigation is active and ongoing. No other information is available at this time.