Crime & Safety

Belleville Man Accused of Killing Toddler Shot to Death in Newark

A Belleville man who was facing manslaughter charges for the fatal shooting of a toddler in 2011 was himself killed early Thursday morning in what officials believe was a targeted attack, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office announced. 

Newark police on patrol near Peshine and Renner avenues found the body of Wakir Bryant, 29, around 1 am. He had been shot, the prosecutor’s office said. 

Bryant had been free on bail after being indicted for reckless manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child. Officials said Bryant was involved int the shooting death of Mikhy Robinson, 2, in December 2011, at an apartment in Newark. The trial in that case was delayed because Bryant was seeking to have his indictment dismissed, arguing there was insufficient evidence.

The Ledger reported that in 2012, Bryant was indicted on five counts, including reckless manslaughter. Bryant was reportedly dating the boy’s mother. The Ledger reported that Prosecutors had not said if they believe Bryant pulled the trigger.

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In a June, 2012 story on Newark Patch, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly declined to provide specifics on the circumstances of the shooting. 

“We’re not going into too many facts. The gun was being handled in a reckless fashion,” Fennelly said.   

No arrests have been made and no suspects have been identified. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-847-7432.

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