2 Men Accused Of Slaying At Eagle Rock Reservation In Essex County – Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Police have made two arrests in connection with the slaying of a New York City resident found dead from a gunshot wound at Eagle Rock Reservation in New Jersey earlier this year, authorities announced Wednesday.

Several hikers discovered the body of Kelsey Steels, 31, of the Bronx, on March 4 at the reservation, near the border of West Orange and Montclair. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:16 p.m., according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Michael Verdel, 71, also of the Bronx, and Posley Sulaiman, 31, of Detroit, Michigan, have been charged with several offenses – including murder – in connection with Steels’ death, prosecutors said.

“It is alleged that Sulaiman and Verdel met Steels at Verdel’s apartment in the Bronx, then brought him to New Jersey, where he was shot at Eagle Rock reservation,” prosecutors stated.

Verdel was taken into custody in New York and has been extradited to New Jersey. He has been charged with murder, felony murder, conspiracy and robbery – all first-degree offenses. He is also charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose – both second degree crimes. A detention hearing is scheduled for May 16, prosecutors said.

Sulaiman remains in custody in New York at Rikers Island on a gun charge in that state, where he was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday, prosecutors said. In New Jersey, Sulaiman has been charged with murder, felony murder, conspiracy and robbery – all first-degree offenses. He has also been charged with two weapons offenses: unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

A police investigation is ongoing. Prosecutors said anyone with information can contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.