"Operation Essex" was carried out over five days, as police arrested individuals charged with homicide, aggravated assault, sex assault and other counts.
Authorities in Essex County are looking for a 2020-2021 Toyota Highlander that was allegedly involved in the incident that claimed the life of 46-year-old Felipe Chay.
Khalil Wheeler-Weaver, already convicted in the Essex County murders of three women and the attempted murder of a fourth, now is charged with killing a 15-year-old from Newark who disappeared in 2016.
Jamel Welch now is charged with first-degree murder stemming from the Dec. 30 death. A relative of Laniyah Bloodworth has been raising funds for the young child's funeral.