WMBCTV: City Mourns Tragic Death of 6-year-old, Mother Facing Charges

Friends, family and community members in Newark are mourning the tragic death of a six-year-old girl, who was found unresponsive in a South Ward apartment on Monday morning. Police officers dispatched to the scene attempted to help, but the child was transported and pronounced dead at University Hospital at 8:43 a.m.

The child’s mother remains in custody this morning after she was arrested Monday night She now faces one count of child endangerment. The case remains under investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

While an investigation does remain ongoing, city officials say that children in the community deserve to feel safe.

In a statement, Mayor Baraka is calling for a renewed, city-wide, commitment to protecting its youngest residents.

Meanwhile, city leaders and child advocates are urging anyone struggling to seek support and resources.

The shock of this tragic loss comes at a time when - in an unrelated incident - a 14 year old boy remains under arrest in connection with the shooting of Newark Police Detective Joseph Azcona, who died in the line of duty last week. The officer’s funeral is scheduled for Friday.