26-year-old arrested for fatally shooting man in Newark

NEWARK, NJ — Marquise Smith, 26, of Newark, has been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit murder and felony murder for the fatal shooting of Agustin “Orlando” Pichardo, 51, of Newark, according to an April 19 press release from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

It is alleged that Smith fatally shot Pichardo during an attempted robbery on Saturday, April 17, on the 100 block of 7th Street.

The victim and another male relative were doing maintenance at a property owned by Pichardo when Smith allegedly attempted to rob them at gunpoint. During the robbery attempt, Smith allegedly shot Pichardo.

The victim was transported to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:13 p.m. the same day.

Smith is currently in custody at the Essex County Correctional Facility.

These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The ongoing investigation is being handled by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact the task force at 1-877-847-7432. Calls will be kept confidential.