Eleven-year-old disappears from south ward neighborhood

Eleven-year-old disappears from South Ward neighborhood

by
October 6, 2025
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Urgent search underway for missing 11-year-old Newark boy

NEWARK, NJ – A city-wide search is underway after 11-year-old Lushawn Smith Jr. was reported missing on Sunday, with his last known sighting taking place a day earlier in a South Ward neighborhood.

The boy was last seen Saturday in the 100 block of Jelliff Avenue, according to Newark Public Safety officials. Lushawn is described as African American, 4 feet 10 inches tall, and weighing approximately 95 pounds. He was wearing black and purple Jordan sneakers at the time of his disappearance.

Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr. announced the missing child alert and called on the public to assist in locating the boy, who is known to spend time at Nat Turner Park on Irvine Turner Boulevard and along 18th Avenue near Central High School.

Eleven-year-old disappears from south ward neighborhood
Photo: eleven-year-old disappears from south ward neighborhood

As of Sunday, there have been no updates on his whereabouts, and the Newark Police Division continues to treat the case as an active investigation. Officials have not indicated whether foul play is suspected but say all tips will be pursued immediately.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Newark Police Division’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). Tips may also be submitted anonymously online via the department’s official website. All tips remain confidential and could qualify for a reward.

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Key Points

  • Lushawn Smith Jr., 11, was last seen Saturday in the area of Jelliff Avenue
  • The boy is known to visit Nat Turner Park and 18th Avenue near Central High School
  • Authorities are asking for public help and tips to locate the missing child
Local News Report

Local News Report

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News