Three men indicted in connection with fatal shooting at cockfight

NEWARK, NJ — An Essex County grand jury indicted Samir Thomas, Kelvin Diaz and Luis Ortiz on Monday, June 20, in connection with the fatal shooting of Maria Cruz, 41, of Rockway, N.Y.

Cruz was shot and killed during an attempted robbery of a cockfight in the 100 block of 3rd Avenue in the  North Ward of Newark, according to Essex County Assistant Prosecutor Justin Edwab, who is handling the case.

Thomas, 24, of Elizabeth, has been indicted on 10 counts, including conspiracy, attempted robbery, felony murder, manslaughter, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and attempted burglary.

Diaz, 31, of Elizabeth, has been indicted on seven counts, including felony murder, attempted robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and attempted burglary.

Ortiz, 28, of Newark, was indicted on conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit burglary and animal cruelty charges.

The indictment alleges that, between June 28, 2014, and June 29, 2014, all three charged  individuals conspired to commit an armed robbery of the attendees of the cockfight, which was being held in a residence. In the midst of committing this robbery, Thomas shot Cruz, who subsequently died as a result of the gunshot wound.

Diaz is currently being held at the Essex County correctional facility. Thomas is in custody in North Carolina and Ortiz is free.