Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that Anwar Crockett, 32, and Ali Ibn Karim, 31, both of Elizabeth, were convicted by an Essex County jury of eluding, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and weapons charges, including possession of an assault firearm. In addition, the defendants were convicted of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
Both defendants were acquitted of a double murder and other related charges.
On Sept. 15, 2010, Reginald Wilson, 26, and Ishmeal Bowers, 32, both of Newark were shot to death on Concord Street and Sherman Avenue in Newark.
On Sept. 19, 2010 the defendants were pursued by the Elizabeth Police from Elizabeth into Newark. During the chase, the defendants fired multiple gun shots at the police. The pursuit ended in Newark and two weapons, including a Mac-11 assault weapon, were recovered in the vehicle.
The cases were tried together before the Honorable Martin Cronin, J.S.C.
Defendants are scheduled for sentencing May 3. When they are sentenced, they face extended prison terms because of their prior convictions.
“The jury reached a fair verdict in light of the available evidence and we thank them for their service, ’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Adam Wells, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Eileen O’Connor.
Both Defendants were convicted of the following counts related to events on Sept. 19, 2010 incident:
2 degree eluding
2 degree conspiracy to commit aggravated assault against law enforcement officers
2 degree possession of an assault firearm (Mac-11)
2 degree unlawful possession of a weapon (.40 Pistol)
2 degree possession of an assault firearm for an unlawful purpose
2 degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
2 counts of possession of a defaced firearm (one for each gun)
Possession of Cocaine
Possession of a weapon by a convicted felon (Mac-11)
Possession of a weapon by a convicted felon (.40 Cal Pistol)
