NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- Authorities in Essex County have charged a dozen men in connection with eight murders that occurred in the last two months.

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Acting county prosecutor Carolyn Murray said Thursday the murders occurred in Newark, Irvington, Orange and East Orange and appear to be unrelated.

The suspects range in age from 18 to 39 and live in Newark, Orange, Belleville and East Orange. The victims were killed in June and July.

Seven of the suspects are in custody and are being held on bail ranging from $500,000 to $1 million.

Five remain at large.

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