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Cops Looking For 4th Suspect In Newark

Authorities in Newark have issued an arrest warrant for a fourth suspect in last weekend's disturbing execution-style killings.

An arrest warrant is out for 24-year-old Rodolfo Godinez.

Authorities describe Godinez, who also goes by the name of Rodolfo Gomez, as a Nicaraguan national whose last known addresses was in Newark.

Newark Police Director Garry McCarthy tells The Star-Ledger of Newark that Godinez is — quote here — "a principal player" in the case.

Funerals are being held today for 20-year-old Dashon Harvey, 18-year-old Terrance Aeriel and 20-year-old Iofemi Hightower.

The friends were shot during an apparent robbery attempt that authorities have called one of the most disturbing killings in Newark in recent memory.

Terrance Aeriel's sister, Natasha Aeriel, was shot in the head but survived and has helped investigators identify a suspect in the case.

Three people have already been arrested in connection with the shooting.

The third suspect was charged Friday. He was identified as 15-year-old boy during a news conference held by the Essex County prosecutor's office. The teen faces three counts of felony murder, among other charges, said Paul Loriquet, a spokesman for the office. He would not provide other details.

Several hours earlier, Jose Carranza, 28, pleaded not guilty to three charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder and robbery. Victims' relatives questioned why the illegal immigrant from Peru had been granted bail this year on assault and child rape charges.

Speaking through a Spanish interpreter, Jose Carranza said he understood the charges against him. It was his first court appearance since he surrendered Thursday to Mayor Cory A. Booker.

Carranza, 28, is being held on $1 million bail. His lawyer, Felix Lopez Montalvo, declined to comment after the 11-minute hearing.

Another 15-year-old boy pleaded not guilty to the same charges Thursday and remains in custody, Assistant Essex County Prosecutor Thomas McTigue said. Authorities are seeking to have him tried as an adult.

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