Newark police arrest woman for fatal stabbing

NEWARK, NJ — Latysha Simmons, 29, of Newark, has been arrested and charged with murder in the stabbing death of Darien Wharton, also 29 and of Newark, according to a June 14 press release from the Essex County Prosucutor’s Office.

It is alleged that Simmons fatally stabbed Wharton during an altercation at his home on the 400 block of University Avenue on Saturday, June 12. He was transported to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

She was subsequently charged with murder. In addition to murder, Simmons is charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. She is currently being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department, is handling the investigation

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 investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force at 1-877-847-7432. Calls will be kept confidential.