Kearny Man Charged with Murder and Arson

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and the Kearny Police Department are investigating the death of a male that occurred on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

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

During the initial investigation, Oscar Feijoo, 44, of Kearny, was identified as a person of interest. Law enforcement attempted to make contact with Feijoo at his Kearny Avenue residence. Hudson County Regional SWAT responded when Feijoo barricaded himself inside the home. While members of Hudson County Regional SWAT attempted to make contact with Feijoo, several fires were ignited within the home at approximately 5 a.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025, resulting in a multi-alarm fire response. Feijoo remained barricaded in the home for several hours after fire suppression activities were complete. Feijoo exited the home armed with knives and was taken into custody shortly before 1 p.m. after a brief standoff.

Feijoo is charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1)/(2), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, and Aggravated Arson in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1a(1). Additional charges are expected.

Acting Prosecutor Mello credits the Homicide Unit, Crime Scene Unit, Hudson County Regional SWAT, and the Kearny Police Department with the investigation and arrest. He thanks the Kearny, Harrison, North Arlington, Belleville, and Jersey City Fire Departments for swiftly responding to extinguish the fire and the Harrison Police Department for assisting with the investigation.

The above charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C.3.6(b)(6).