Mocobizscene- Prosecutors have announced the arrest of the son of a Muslim leader who was shot outside his Newark mosque earlier this month. The individual has been charged with a gun violation, although no charges have been filed against him in connection with the killing.
Abdush Sharif, the son of the victim, was arrested on Friday at a residence in Newark. Along with him, Kevin Rogers, 46, and Dashawn Kinchen, 49, were also apprehended at the same location. All three individuals are facing charges for violating firearm regulations. At this time, it is uncertain if there are any additional suspects connected to the murder.
Sharif and Rogers are currently in custody at the Essex County Correctional Facility, as per the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. Their detention hearings are scheduled for Tuesday. On the other hand, Kinchen has been released on a summons. Unfortunately, there is no information available at the moment regarding the attorneys representing these individuals.
Authorities previously stated that they were investigating the possible involvement of a relative in the case. Law enforcement sources had identified the son as the relative who was under investigation. However, there was no evidence to suggest that the imam’s killing was motivated by religious hate. The investigation conducted by the Essex County prosecutors remains active and ongoing.
Essex County Crime Stoppers has announced a generous reward of $25,000 for any valuable information that can lead to the apprehension of the individual or individuals responsible for the heinous crime. Joining forces, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, along with its New Jersey chapter, is further extending their support by offering an additional reward of $10,000 for any information that can lead to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator.
According to TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein, Sharif had a long career as a transportation security officer for the Transportation Security Administration at Newark Liberty International Airport, spanning almost two decades.
In an emailed statement, she expressed her deep sorrow upon learning about his demise and extended heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
The mosque posted a video statement on its website, expressing prayers and emphasizing their commitment to ensuring that Sharif receives his last rites and a proper burial. The statement portrayed Sharif as not only a brother and friend but also a loving father and husband. Furthermore, they urged the community to be considerate of the family’s sorrow during this difficult time.
Sharif’s death is part of a disturbing trend where religious leaders or places of worship have been targeted in recent times. According to officials, these incidents were not driven by any form of bias.
In Detroit, authorities firmly stated that there was no evidence supporting the notion that the murder of a synagogue leader in her home in October was driven by antisemitism. Meanwhile, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, authorities determined that the death of a man outside a mosque was the tragic outcome of a carjacking incident.
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