On August 14, 2026, following approximately two days of deliberations, a jury convicted Shamsuddin Lockett, 53, of third-degree aggravated assault for attempting to cause bodily injury with a deadly weapon, third-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose. The jury also found the Lockett to be a persistent offender.
Assistant Prosecutor Mattison Monteleone and Assistant Prosecutor Kathryn Zangari tried the case before the Honorable Joseph Minish, J.S.C.
The prosecution proved that on February 23, 2024, Lockett arrived on Elizabeth Avenue in Newark and began pacing back and forth, apparently waiting for someone. At approximately 7:12 a.m., the unidentified victim was walking on East Alpine Street towards Elizabeth Avenue when Lockett pulled a handgun from his pocket and fired one round at him.
The victim was not struck by the gunfire and ran away from the area. Lockett chased the victim but was unable to locate him and then left the scene. Lockett called a car service to flee the area.
Surveillance video and cellphone records led to Lockett’s arrest.
Following the verdict, Assistant Prosecutor Monteleone said, “This verdict sends a clear message that violence in our streets will not be tolerated. We are grateful the victim was not injured, but that does not diminish the seriousness of the crime for which the defendant was convicted.”
Assistant Prosecutor Zangari added, “This verdict is an important step toward accountability and making our Essex County communities safer. We thank the jury for carefully considering the evidence and reaching a fair verdict.”
The prosecutors thank investigators from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Newark Police Division, and the FBI’s CAST Unit for dedication and hard work on this investigation.
Lockett is scheduled to be sentenced on October 19, 2026. Because the jury found him to be a persistent offender, he faces a possible sentence of 10-20 years in New Jersey State Prison.
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.
SHAMSUDDIN LOCKETT
