Murders - Courier - Assault charges upgraded to murder in Suarez case

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Courier News Online - Friday, May 5, 2006

Your Town News: Assault charges upgraded to murder

Charges have been upgraded to murder against a Plainfield man accused of shooting and killing a teenager downtown last month.

Shan D. Oatis, 31, was arrested immediately after 17-year-old Sergio Suarez of North Plainfield was shot in the head April 12. Suarez clung to life for more than two weeks, but died of his injuries April 28, police said.

The teenager was on the street near the intersection of West Front Street and Madison Avenue in Plainfield when he was struck by a bullet. Police said he was not Oatis' intended target.

The Union County Prosecutor's Office said Oatis, originally charged with aggravated assault and other crimes, now faces the more serious murder charge, along with several other related counts. His bail also has been increased to $1 million, authorities said.

http://www.c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060505/NEWS01/605050369/1006

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