(08/08/07) NEWARK ? A spokeswoman for Newark Mayor Cory Booker said police are close to identifying a suspect in the brutal, execution-style slaying of three friends.

The spokeswoman, Lupe Todd, would not provide any details of a possible announcement or details surrounding a break in the case.

The Star-Ledger of Newark reported on its Web site Wednesday that the only survivor in the attack, 19-year-old Natasha Aeriel, was able to pick out a suspect from a photo lineup. The newspaper also reported a fingerprint was lifted from a beer bottle at the scene, according to an anonymous law enforcement official.

Terrance Aeriel, 18, Dashon Harvey, 20 and Iofemi Hightower, 20, were forced to kneel against a wall and shot at close range while hanging out at Mount Vernon School August 4. Investigators believe the slayings were a robbery attempt that escalated to murder.

Natasha Aeriel, Terrance Aerial?s sister, was shot in the head but survived.

The shootings have sparked a backlash among some residents against Mayor Booker. Critics say he hasn?t done enough to curb rising violence in the city.

The three slain victims will be buried Saturday in separate services.

In a news conference on separate incidents, Booker announced the reward in the triple-slayings has been raised to $150,000. He also urged caution in relation to rumors about the case.

Booker didn't provide any specifics on the investigation into the schoolyard murders. However, he did say police had "encouraging leads" in the case.

Associated Press wire reports contributed to this story.

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