Newark, N.J.- .- Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted Justin Brown, 36, of Newark, of second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, third-degree endangering an injured victim, and third-degree tampering with physical evidence.
Assistant Prosecutor Mira Ohm tried the case before the Honorable Patrick Arre, J.S.C.
The jury returned its verdict on March 2, 2026, following a 10-day trial.
Brown was convicted in connection with the fatal hit-and-run that killed Alejandro Garcia, 38, of Passaic, on December 28, 2021.
The prosecution proved that at approximately 5:11 a.m. on December 28, 2021, Brown was operating a vehicle when he struck Garcia, who was standing at the corner of Third Avenue and McCarter Highway North in Newark. Garcia was transported to University Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
Surveillance video introduced at trial showed Brown failed to stop after striking the victim and fled the scene. Later that day, the defendant arranged to have his car towed to a junkyard to destroy evidence.
Assistant Prosecutor Ohm said, “Mr. Garcia’s family has waited over four years for justice for this tragic loss. I thank the jury for their focus and patience in reviewing the surveillance evidence and reaching this verdict.”
The prosecution also thanked investigators from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Newark Police Division, and the Kearny Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.
Brown is scheduled for sentencing on April 16, 2026.
The public is encouraged to report any information related to criminal activity by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. All calls will remain confidential.
