The body of a man discovered on Wyoming Avenue and Hickory Drive in the early morning hours of Memorial Day was apparently the victim of a hit-and-run, according to authorities.
Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Maplewood Police Chief Robert Cimino said in a release Friday that the man “appears to have been struck by a motor vehicle.” The body was discovered on May 30 at around 4 a.m.
“Through the autopsy, it was apparent he was hit by a car,” Essex County Prosecutor’s Office spokeswoman Katherine Carter said in a phone interview.
The man has been identified, but authorities are not releasing his name until they are able to notify his next of kin.
Carter said it was “difficult to identify the victim” and “it took some time.”
The driver has not yet been identified.
It is not clear if the victim has any links to Maplewood. “We have not been able to confirm he lives in Maplewood, or if he was visiting,” or if he had no ties to the town, Carter said.
The investigation is ongoing, and is being conducted by the Maplewood Police Department and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.
