Newark, N.J.- Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Newark man has been convicted of attempted murder and weapons offenses in connection with the 2025 shooting of a man outside a Newark bar.

On August 5, 2026, after approximately two hours of deliberations, a jury convicted Daishaun Mercer, 26, of first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose.

Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Laprade and Assistant Prosecutor Dylan Dalbeck tried the case before the Honorable Michael Parlavecchio, J.S.C.

The prosecution proved that Mercer and the victim, Dominique Horne, 35, of Irvington, were both outside an establishment on Academy Street in Newark in the early hours of July 27, 2025, when a fight broke out between two other individuals.  During the altercation, the defendant retrieved a gun from his waistband and shot Horne six times. Horne suffered life-threatening injuries, including a gunshot wound to the head. He was rushed to the University Hospital by members of the Newark Police Division.

Following the verdict, Assistant Prosecutor Laprade said, “We are grateful the jury reached a fair and just verdict in this case. In doing so, they sent a strong message that gun violence will not be tolerated in our communities.”

Assistant Prosecutor Dalbeck added, “We appreciate the hard work and dedication of Essex County Prosecutor’s Office detectives and the Newark Police Division throughout this investigation. We hope the victim finds some measure of comfort knowing that justice was served.”

Mercer is scheduled for sentencing on September 26, 2026. He faces a possible sentence of 30 years to life 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.

DAISHAUN MERCER

July 28, 2026

Newark, N.J.-Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II announced today that a Newark man has been convicted of first-degree murder and weapons charges in connection with a 2024 murder in Newark.

On July 24, 2026, following approximately two hours of deliberations, a jury found Shaheed Hall, 36, guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a gun, and second-degree possession of a gun for an unlawful purpose. Following, the verdict Hall pleaded guilty to additional charges of certain persons not to have weapons and being a persistent offender.

The case was tried before the Honorable Christopher S. Romanyshyn J.S.C.

The prosecution proved that on April 28, 2024, Hall opened fire on Deshaun Winston 50, of Newark, while Winston was seated in his wheelchair and speaking with another man on Osborne Terrace. Winston was struck twice in the head and once in the neck, resulting in his death. Video surveillance introduced at trial showed Hall and Winston engaged in a heated conversation approximately two hours before the shooting. Additional surveillance footage also showed Hall later returning to the area and shooting Winston.

Hall was arrested on June 14, 2024, at the Veterans Courthouse in Newark after appearing there in connection with an unrelated matter.

After the trial Assistant Prosecutor Bryashia Atchison said, “We hope this verdict provides Mr. Winston’s family with some measure of closure. We thank the Newark Police Division and the Essex County Homicide Task Force for their dedication and professionalism throughout this investigation.”

Hall is scheduled for sentencing on October 2, 2026. He faces a minimum of 30 years to life in 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.

SHAHEED HALL

Newark, N.J. – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Cedar Grove man has been charged with stealing more than $244,000 from a charity that provides support for adults with disabilities.

Stephen Ferguson, 65, of Cedar Grove, is charged with one count of second-degree theft by unlawful taking and one count of second-degree misapplication of entrusted funds.

Ferguson served as treasurer of the organization from June 2023 through March 2025. The nonprofit was established by some of the families of residents living at the Association for Hunterdon Development Center in Clinton. The organization was created to provide additional support and resources for adults with disabilities residing at the state-run facility.

An internal audit determined Ferguson allegedly made multiple unauthorized withdrawals from the organization’s accounts for his personal use, totaling more than $244,000.

“This case alleges a serious breach of trust involving funds intended to support vulnerable members of our community. Thefts from organizations such as this are akin to direct assaults against the disabled population and, as such, are extremely important to this office,” said Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II.

Ferguson’s first court appearance is scheduled for July 27, 2026.

These allegations are merely accusations.  All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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.

STEPHEN FERGUSON

Newark, N.J.- Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Newark man has been convicted in a fatal shooting on a Newark street in 2025.

On July 16, 2026, following approximately three hours of deliberations, a jury convicted Wadi Brown, 34, of first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Assistant Prosecutor Meredith Mona and Assistant Prosecutor Sarah Simon tried the case before the Honorable Patrick J. Arre, J.S.C.

The prosecution proved that on May 10, 2025, Brown and the victim Keion Alston, 20, of Newark, met on Bergen Street before walking around the corner to Harding Terrace. Witnesses testified that the two men argued before Brown fired six shots at Alston, striking him in the back and ultimately killing him.

Following the verdict, Assistant Prosecutor Mona said, “While nothing can bring Keion Alston back, we hope this verdict provides his family with a measure of closure and justice.”

Assistant Prosecutor Simon added, “The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to seeking justice for victims of violent crime and holding those responsible fully accountable. This verdict reflects that commitment.”

Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on September 17, 2026. He faces a potential sentence of 30 years to life in 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.

WADI BROWN

Newark, N.J.-Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Newark man has pleaded guilty to narcotics and gun possession charges stemming from a 2025 Narcotics Task Force investigation.

On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Edward Thompson, 47, of Newark pleaded guilty to first-degree maintaining or operating a controlled dangerous substance production facility and second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm due to a prior conviction. The State is recommending a sentence of 20 years in New Jersey State Prison to run concurrently with a 10-year sentence, with five years parole ineligibility.

On February 6, 2025, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at 801 North 6^th Street in Newark. Inside the apartment detectives recovered more than half an ounce of cocaine, oxycodone pills (approximately half of which tested positive for fentanyl) and envelopes containing fentanyl that were packaged to resemble heroin envelopes, and drug paraphernalia.

As law enforcement entered the apartment, the defendant threw a black safe out of the window. Detectives later recovered a silver Smith and Wesson .38 special revolver inside the safe.

Investigators also recovered and reviewed videos Thompson recorded of himself cutting and packaging the cocaine for distribution.

Following the plea, Assistant Prosecutor Orlando Hurtado said, “This plea is the culmination of a thorough investigation by the detectives of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force and the compelling evidence they collected. The dangers posed by cocaine, fentanyl, and oxycodone cannot be overstated.”

Assistant Prosecutor Ibn Alston added, “This recommended 20-year sentence sends a strong message that those who traffic narcotics and possess firearms illegally will be held fully accountable.”

Thompson is scheduled for sentencing October 17, 2026.

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.

EDWARD THOMPSON

Newark, N.J.- Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that an Irvington man has been convicted in the fatal shooting of a man in 2023.

On July 8, 2026, after approximately one hour of deliberations, a jury convicted Emmanuel Edmundson, 46, of first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Assistant Prosecutor Austin Edwards and Assistant Prosecutor William Chalmers tried the case before the Honorable Naazneen Khan.

The prosecution proved that on the night of September 29, 2023, Edmunson approached his friend, Enrique Riveros, 46, outside of 201 Columbia Avenue in Irvington. Following a brief argument over money, Edmundson pulled out a handgun and shot Riveros several times at close range before fleeing the scene. Riveros died of gunshot wounds to the head and the abdomen.

An eyewitness called 911 and assisted police officers in apprehending Edmundson a short distance from the scene. At trial, the defense offered the testimony of a psychologist who claimed the defendant was too intoxicated at the time of the shooting and suffered from a mental illness that rendered him unaware of his actions. The prosecution rebutted that testimony with a psychiatrist who testified that Edmundson acted knowingly and purposely during the homicide.

Following the verdict, Assistant Prosecutor Chalmers said, “With this verdict, the citizens of Essex County have condemned senseless violence and brought justice to the family of Mr. Riveros.”

Assistant Prosecutor Edwards added, “We want to recognize the outstanding work of the detectives assigned to Essex County Homicide Task Force and the responding officers with the Irvington Police Department, whose professionalism and dedication that made this result possible.”

Edmundson is scheduled for sentencing on September 14, 2026. He faces a possible sentence of 30 years to life in 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.

EMMANUEL EDMUNDSON

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

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

Newark, N.J.-Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced today that a suspect has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the lives of two female pedestrians in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026.

David J. Zapata-Vera, 26, of Newark, surrendered to police on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Zapata-Vera is charged with two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide, two counts of second-degree leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death, and two counts of third-degree endangering an injured victim.

He is accused of striking the women while they were in the crosswalk at the intersection of Park Avenue and North 7^th Street before fleeing the scene.

The victims, Mariana Elizabeth Valverde Beltran, 58, of Elizabeth, and Maria Isabel DeLosAngeles Salgado Ayala, 61, of Newark were taken to University Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.

These allegations are merely accusations.  All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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.

DAVID J. ZAPATA-VERA

Newark, N.J. –Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that an Irvington man has been sentenced to 25 years in state prison for the sexual assault of a 10-year-old victim.

Assistant Prosecutor Cynthia Teller and Assistant Prosecutor Steven Paskowitz tried the case before the Honorable Michael L. Ravin J.S.C., who also presided over the sentencing.

On October 10, 2025, a jury convicted Osbourne Gooden, 64, of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and third-degree criminal restraint.

The prosecution proved that on June 22, 2020, the victim was sitting on her front porch with her mother and sister, the defendant, and his friend. When the victim went briefly inside the home, the defendant followed her in and assaulted her.

After the sentencing, Assistant Prosecutor Teller said, “While no sentence can erase the trauma endured by the victim, it reflects the gravity and seriousness of these crimes. Our office remains committed to seeking justice for survivors of sexual assault and protecting our community. We commend the victim’s courage and hope this outcome provides a measure of justice and closure.”

Gooden is ineligible for parole. He was also sentenced to a condition of parole supervision for life and will be required to register as a sex offender.

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.

OSBOURNE GOODEN