Nov. 19, 2014
Newark Man Found Guilty of Murder
Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Dwayne Johnson, 43, of Newark of first degree murder for killing Terrence Everett, 38, also of Newark.
Following a three-week trial before the Honorable Michael L. Ravin, the jury deliberated for four hours before finding Johnson guilty of murdering Everett by stomping and kicking in the head. The deadly assault, which occurred on Jan. 7, 2013, was captured on videotape by a passerby who witnessed the attack.
The victim and the defendant had been friends. The two got into an argument after Johnson’s girlfriend asked Everett for cigarettes. The feud between Everett and Johnson continued through December of 2012 and resulted in Everett punching Johnson’s girlfriend.
Ten days later, Johnson attacked Everett in broad daylight and beat him to death, leaving him in the intersection of Avon Avenue and South 20th Street. Police responded to the location on a report of a man bleeding from the head.
“We’re satisfied with the jury’s verdict. It sends a clear message that the citizens of Essex County will not tolerate an individual resorting to violent revenge resulting in murder as a means to resolve a dispute,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Ahmad Rasool who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Paul Bradley.
Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 12 before Judge Ravin.
Johnson faces a minimum of 30 years without the possibility of parole.
Following the verdict Judge Ravin revoked Johnson’s $500,000 bail. He is currently being held in the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark.
