July 22, 2021
Arrest Made in Newark Homicide
NEWARK, NJ - Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, and Newark Public Safety
Director Brian A. O'Hara announced today that Wesley Jean-Marie, 32, of Valley Stream, New York
has been arrested and charged with the murder of 21-year old Leeana Cottle of Newark who was fatally shot on July 20 in Newark.
Cottle was shot on the 200 block of South 10th Street at approximately 11:30 pm. She was transported to University Hospital in Newark where she was pronounced dead at 11:50 pm on July 20.
Jean-Marie is charged with murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for
an unlawful purpose in connection with her death. He is currently being held in New York awaiting
extradition back to New Jersey. Jean-Marie was apprehended without incident in Valley Stream, N.Y.
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives
from the Newark Police Department, is handling the investigation. Prosecutor Stephens thanked law
enforcement in New York for their assistance.
These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or
are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex
County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-
7432.
Calls will be kept confidential.