Break in the case: Arrest in murder of Maplewood, NJ soccer star

MAPLEWOOD — The Essex County Prosecutor's Office has announced the arrest of a Newark man, now charged with the murder of an 18-year-old Maplewood resident on a township athletic field in June.

In a release, the Prosecutor's Office said Yohan Hernandez, 20, was taken into custody Thursday and charged with murder, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in connection with the shooting death of Moussa Fofana, a student and soccer standout at Columbia High School.

Fofana was pronounced dead at the scene after officers were called to Underhill Field on reports of the June 6 shooting.

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A second male victim, 17, was treated at a local hospital for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Authorities have not disclosed a motive.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, and anyone with further information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task force at 1-877-TIPS-4EC (1-877-847-7432).

Patrick Lavery is New Jersey 101.5's afternoon news anchor. Follow him on Twitter @plavery1015 or email patrick.lavery@townsquaremedia.com.

NJ arrests 31 accused child predators in "Operation 24/7"

A roundup of 31 men have been accused of sexually exploiting children online, state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced on July 14 while detailing "Operation 24/7."

The suspects “possessed and or distributed videos and images of child sexual abuse, including in many cases videos of young children being raped by adults,” Grewal said.

Chat apps and gaming platforms remain favorite hunting grounds for child predators and even as the pandemic winds down, many children have continued to spend more time online.

State Police received 39% more tips in just the first 6 months of 2021 than they received in the entire year in 2019. The following are suspects charged in "Operation 24/7."

NJ teachers and educators caught in sex crime busts

Over the past few years, state lawmakers have taken on the challenge of dealing with accused child predators among the ranks of teachers and educators.

In 2018, the so-called “pass the trash” law went into effect, requiring stricter New Jersey school background checks related to child abuse and sexual misconduct.

The follow individuals were arrested over the past several years. Some have been convicted and sentenced to prison, while others have accepted plea deals for probation.

Others cases are still pending, including some court delays amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Filed Under: Essex County, Maplewood

Categories: New Jersey News