By: Richard L. Smith

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has taken over the investigation into a shooting that left a man fatally injured late Monday night in Newark’s Central Ward.

Officials said the incident happened at the Gardens Spires housing complex on First Street, where police responded to reports of shots fired.

When officers arrived, they found a male suffering from gunshot wounds.

Authorities identified the victim as Michael T. Hawkins, 47, of Newark. He was taken to University Hospital and pronounced dead in the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 2, at 3:26 a.m.

The motive for the shooting has not been released, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.

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