Newark, N.J. – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that Darneil Thomas, 26, of West Orange, was sentenced to 100 years in state prison for two murders committed in 2022.
On June 2, 2026, Thomas was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of attempted murder, and related weapons offenses.
The Honorable Ronald D. Wigler, J.S.C. presided over both the trial and the sentencing.
The prosecution proved that on March 15, 2022, the defendant and three other individuals opened fire on Qusim Rooks and David Escobar on Hilton Street in East Orange. During the attack, Thomas shot his associate, Joshua Dessin in the back of the head, killing him.
The following day, Thomas traveled to Scotland Road in Orange and fatally shot Anton Douglas while Douglas was working at a mechanic’s shop. Douglas was struck multiple times, including three gunshot wounds to the head.
Assistant Prosecutor Carlo Fioranelli, who tried the case along with Assistant Prosecutor Justin Bennion said, “While no sentence can bring back Mr. Dessin and Mr. Douglas, we hope this sentence provides their families with a measure of comfort.”
Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, Thomas must serve 85 percent of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
Anyone with information related to criminal activity is encouraged 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.
DARNEIL THOMAS
