Newark, N.J.– Prosector Theodore N. Stephens announced today that Jarell Riles, 35, of Newark, has been sentenced to 100 years in prison for first-degree felony murder, first-degree murder, as well as robbery and weapons offenses.
The Honorable Ronald Wigler, J.S.C. presided over both the trial and the sentencing.
Riles was convicted on February 18, 2026, in the fatal shooting of Jose Gaona, 67, of Newark, on December 31, 2023.
Prosecutors proved that Riles first robbed a man at gunpoint on Vessey Street in Newark during the early hours of December 31, 2023, forcing the victim to the ground and pistol-whipping him during the robbery. Riles then drove to Malvern Street, where he observed Gaona getting into his vehicle. He exited his car, confronted Gaona at gunpoint, and robbed him of his personal belongings. When Gaona attempted to re-enter his vehicle, Riles shot him seven times in the back, ultimately killing him.
Assistant Prosecutor Julianne Bollettieri, who tried the case with Assistant Prosector Nidhi Goel said, “The State is relieved that justice has been served, and the defendant no longer poses a danger to society. Our sympathies are with Mr. Fierro and with the family of Mr. Gaona.”
Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, Riles must serve 85 percent of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
Anyone with information regarding any criminal activity is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. All calls will remain confidential.
JARELL RILES
