Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that Craig Scott, 24, of Newark was sentenced by the Honorable Michael L. Ravin, J.S.C. to two consecutive life sentences for killing 15-year-old Naeem Jackson and 17-year-old Joel Ferguson, both of Newark.
Scott was sentenced to 150 years plus six months for a simple assault on the surviving victim, Joseph McKinney, who was 16 years old at time.
Scott, a Crips gang member, attacked Jackson and Ferguson on July 13, 2007 kicking, stomping and finally shooting both teens in the back of the head.
Assistant Prosecutor Dawn Simonetti said Scott was without remorse at sentencing today, talking back to Ferguson’s father, Joel Ferguson, Sr., and cursing. At one point, sheriff’s officers had to admonish Scott to be quiet because of his repeated outbursts.
“This has been a long and painful process for the families,’’ said Simonetti. “Nothing will bring back their sons. But maybe this sentence will provide them with some small measure of comfort. Maybe it will send a message to others who would consider engaging in similar senseless acts of violence.’’
Judge Ravin described the heinousness of the crimes and said he could not understand how another human being could savagely beat two teenagers by kicking, stomping and shooting them.
