Man Charged With Murder and Arson Following Kearny Death

Acting Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello announced that the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and the Kearny Police Department investigated a fatal incident that occurred on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in Kearny.

At approximately 6:45 p.m., Kearny police were notified of an injured male in the area of Kearny Avenue and Johnston Avenue. Responding officers located a man who had been struck by an arrow. The victim was later identified as Pablo Criollo, 45, of Harrison. He was transported to University Hospital in Newark, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

During the investigation, Oscar Feijoo, 44, of Kearny, was identified as a person of interest. Law enforcement attempted to contact Feijoo at his residence on Kearny Avenue. Hudson County Regional SWAT responded after Feijoo barricaded himself inside the home.

At approximately 5 a.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025, several fires were ignited inside the residence, resulting in a multi-alarm fire response. Feijoo remained barricaded for several hours after fire suppression efforts were completed. He exited the residence armed with knives and was taken into custody shortly before 1 p.m. following a brief standoff.

Feijoo has been charged with murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and aggravated arson. Additional charges are expected.

Mello credited the Homicide Unit, Crime Scene Unit, Hudson County Regional SWAT, and the Kearny Police Department with the investigation and arrest. He also thanked the Kearny, Harrison, North Arlington, Belleville, and Jersey City fire departments for responding to extinguish the fire, as well as the Harrison Police Department for assisting with the investigation.

The charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.