Newark Police Still Hunting Suspect in Shooting Death of Michael Gayton

By Alicia Cruz
The New Jersey Newsroom

Larry B. Mote

New Jersey police and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force are searching for a Newark man they believe is responsible for the murder of 26-year-old man shot dead in Newark on September 10.

Larry B. Mote, 43, is suspected of shooting Michael Gayton, of Orange, multiple times after he intervened in a dispute between Mote and a woman with whom Mote had a relationship.

The shooting took place in the 600 block of South 18th Street around 10 p.m., said Acting First Assistant Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino.

Paramedics transported Gayton to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 11:30 pm. Arrest warrants have been issued charging Mote with murder, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

"With the partnership forged between law enforcement and Newark residents we will continue our community-oriented approach to crime reduction as we search for those responsible for this killing," said Police Director Samuel DeMaio

Collaborative efforts between police and Brick City residents have led to a reduction in crime, including violent crimes, during the 2011 summer as compared to the summer of 2010, a trend DeMaio said his department is working aggressively to continue.

Anyone with information pertaining to the shooting or Mote's whereabouts is urged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-847-7432 or the Newark Police Department tips line at 1-877-695-8477.