NEWARK &#8212 Now that six suspects are in custody for the slaying of three college students, residents hope to learn more about the motive behind the crime that has outraged the city.

“I want to know what happened and why it happened. But we may never get those answers,” said Cathy Rainey, a close friend of the mother of one of the victims.

While city officials released few new details during a news conference Monday, Mayor Cory A. Booker looked to assure residents that those responsible for the murders have been apprehended.

Booker said the arrest of a sixth man Sunday completes the search for suspects sought in the killings and the focus will now turn to their prosecution.

Not everyone in the community is sure the healing will come quickly.

“It’s going to take time,” said Renee Tucker, who lost her son, 18-year-old Terrance Aeriel, in the attack. Tucker’s 19-year-old daughter, Natasha Aeriel, survived a gunshot to the head.

The sixth suspect, 18-year-old Melvin Jovel, was arrested about 24 hours after federal authorities arrested Rodolfo Godinez, 24, and Alexander Alfaro, 16.

Jovel and the others were charged with murder in the shootings of Terrance Aeriel, Dashon Harvey, 20, and Iofemi Hightower, 20.

Three other suspects were already in custody and charged with three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.