The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has released the names of those involved in a fatal police shooting that took place on January 19, 2026, in Newark. The civilian who died was identified as Wali Bey, 42, of Newark.
According to the preliminary investigation, plainclothes and uniformed officers from the Newark Police Department were conducting surveillance near Ross Street and Evergreen Avenue shortly after 1 p.m. Officer Nashid Reynolds exited his vehicle and approached other officers and a group of civilians detained as part of an ongoing investigation. Shortly after this, Officer Reynolds discharged his weapon, striking Mr. Bey and another civilian who were inside a vehicle.
Both individuals were transported to University Hospital in Newark. Mr. Bey was pronounced dead at 1:51 p.m., while the second civilian received treatment and was later released. No police officers sustained physical injuries during the incident.
The Attorney General’s Office stated that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing and no additional information is being provided at this time.
A law enacted in 2019 requires that any death occurring during an encounter with law enforcement or while a person is in custody must be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office. This law also mandates that such cases are presented to a grand jury to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for an indictment against any involved officer.
Further details about how fatal police encounters are investigated under New Jersey’s Independent Prosecutor Directive can be found here.
