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NJ Man Convicted Of Beating Mom To Death, Prosecutor Says
A 38-year-old Maplewood resident was convicted on Monday, Oct. 21 of murder charges in his mother's death, which he then framed as a suicide, authorities said.
Benjamin Avrut was found guilty of first-degree murder after beating his 70-year-old-mothe Gwen to death, Prosecutor Theodore Stephens said. The jury had rejected Avrut's insanity defense.
On Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, Avrut entered his sleeping mother's apartment at The Top, a luxury condominium in Maplewood, Stephens said. When she awoke, Avrut beat her to death with his fists, Stephens said.
Avrut, who had a hist…
14-Year-Old Apprehended After Attempted Armed Robbery, Pursuit: Maplewood PD
A 14-year-old boy was apprehended after an attempted robbery at knifepoint in Maplewood on Thursday, Sept. 26, authorities said.
At 8:06 p.m., officers responded to Park Avenue where a woman said she was approached by three unknown Black boys wearing all black clothing, Maplewood police said in a release.
One of the juveniles brandished a knife toward her and said, "Let me get in the car," police said.
The three boys fled the area when they observed the woman calling 9-1-1, police said. Police observed a suspect matching the description, and he fled on foot when ordered to stop, officers s…
Maplewood Man Assaults Officer After Attack At Local Home, Police Say
A 32-year-old man was jailed on assault charges after an incident in Maplewood last week, police said.
Steven Hemmings, a local resident, is accused of attacking someone at a Florida Street home, and then attacking an officer, on Monday, Aug. 12, Maplewood according to police and charges filed against him.
He was charged with aggravated assault, aggravated assault on an officer, and a weapons offense.
Hemmings was subsequently lodged in the Essex County Jail.
Single Mom Struck, Killed By Vehicle In Maplewood, Prosecutor Says
A 28-year-old Irvington resident was killed after she was struck by a vehicle in Maplewood on Monday, May 13, authorities said.
At 9:10 a.m., Maria Ganzhi Zhao was struck by a vehicle on the 1400 block of Springfield Avenue and pronounced dead at the scene, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said.
Zhao, a native of Ecuador, was a single mother who is survived by her two daughters, Noemi, 7 and Genesis, 9 months, according to a fundraiser set up to support the family.
A viewing will be held on Saturday, May 18 at Mt. Alvarez Funeral Home in Newark from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., a…
