Newark, N.J.-Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted a Newark man in connection with a 2023 fatal shooting that killed a woman and wounded another individual on a Newark street.
Altaariq Palmer, 28, was convicted of second-degree passion provocation manslaughter, third-degree aggravated assault, and related weapons offenses.
Assistant Prosecutor Daniel Nicholas and Assistant Prosecutor Shelby Day tried the case before the Honorable Kevin Barry, J.S.C.
The jury returned its verdict on Monday, March 9, 2026, after a 10-day trial.
On the evening of May 22, 2023, Newark police officers responded to a report of shots fired on the 900 block of 18th Avenue. Upon arrival, police discovered Latoya Miller-Kone, 41, of Newark, lying on the sidewalk suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head. Miller-Kone was transported to University Hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.
Surveillance video captured a physical altercation involving Palmer and several individuals approximately 35 minutes before the shooting. Additional surveillance footage showed Palmer fleeing the scene on foot. Evidence presented at trial proved that Palmer later returned to the area wearing a mask and fired 14 rounds in the direction of the individuals involved in the earlier altercation. Miller-Kone, an innocent bystander, was struck and killed. Another individual was wounded.
Palmer is scheduled for sentencing on April 24, 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.
ALTAARIQ PALMER
