Newark, NJ-Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted Armando Villareal Mena, 66, of Newburgh, New York in connection with the 2025 attempted murder of a 19-year-old man outside his mother’s home in Nutley.

On October 23, 2026, following a day of deliberations, a jury found Mena guilty of first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, first-degree attempted murder, and second-degree aggravated assault in connection with the attack on Jahniel Perez.

The case was tried by Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Byrnes and Assistant Prosecutor Alexander Wukovits before the Honorable Joseph N. Minish, J.S.C.

The prosecution proved that on July 4, 2025, Mena and a co-conspirator drove from Newburgh, New York to the victim’s mother’s home in Nutley. Surveillance video showed the vehicle circling the block before stopping in front of the house. Mena is seen smashing the window of the victim’s mother’s car to lure Perez out of the house.  The co-conspirator fired 12 shots at Perez as Mena drove toward the victim. Perez was struck by gunfire four times, and the assailants fled the scene.

Perez’s mother transported him in the damaged vehicle to a local hospital for treatment.

Three days later, Mena was arrested while driving the suspect vehicle in Newburgh. Following his arrest, he gave a statement to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force in which he admitted to being the driver.

The identity of the shooter remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.

Following the conviction, Assistant Prosecutor Byrnes stated,“We thank the jury for their time and careful deliberation during this trial in reaching this verdict.”

Assistant Prosecutor Wukovits added, “We are thankful to have secured justice for Jahniel Perez and his family. This verdict would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of the ECPO Homicide Task Force, the Nutley Police Department, and the Newburgh Police Department “

Mena is scheduled to be sentenced on December 18, 2026. He faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years 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.

ARMANDO VILLAREAL MENA

Newark, NJ-Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted Antwine King, 35, of Newark, of first-degree murder and related weapons offenses in connection with the 2023 fatal shooting of a 60-year-old man on a Newark street.

On October 20, 2026, after three days of deliberations, a jury found King guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, and second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose in the fatal shooting of Vincent Anderson of Newark.

The case was tried by Assistant Prosecutor Logan Teisch and Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Laprade before the Honorable Michael L. Ravin, J.S.C.

The prosecution proved that on October 22, 2023, King engaged in a verbal argument with the victim at the intersection of Clinton Place and Renner Avenue in Newark. During the confrontation, King shot Anderson once in the back, killing him, before fleeing the scene on foot.

Six days later, King was apprehended in Laredo, Texas by the U.S. Marshals.

Following the conviction, Assistant Prosecutor Teisch stated,“We thank the detectives assigned to the Essex County Homicide Task Force as well as the responding officers of Newark Police Division for their hard work and dedication throughout this investigation. We also thank the U.S. Marshals for their assistance in apprehending the defendant. Their efforts were instrumental in bringing the defendant to justice.”

Assistant Prosecutor Laprade added, “While no verdict can bring Vincent back or ease the pain of those who loved him, this conviction affirmed that his life mattered. The people of Essex County will continue to deliver justice for victims of senseless acts of violence. “

King is scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2027. He faces a potential sentence of 30 years to life in prison.

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.

ANTWINE KING

Investigation Underway into Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Newark

Newark, N.J.- Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced today that an investigation is underway into a fatal car crash involving a pedestrian in Newark.

On Sunday, October 25, 2026, at approximately 2:06 a.m., the Newark Police Division received a call reporting that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Bloomfield and North 6^th Street.

The victim, identified as Sequndo Reyes Lligun, 37, whose address is unknown, was transported to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:36 a.m.

The driver, an off-duty Newark police officer, remained on the scene. He showed no signs of impairment and is cooperating with the investigation.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. No additional information is available at this time.

Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to call the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.  All calls will remain confidential.

Newark, N.J.-Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that an investigation is underway into a police-involved shooting in Belleville on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

Preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 7:45 p.m., two Belleville police officers were conducting a motor vehicle stop at Mill Street and Union Avenue when the driver struck one of the officers with his vehicle. The officer discharged his weapon, and the suspect vehicle fled the scene.

No civilians or officers were struck by gunfire.

Both officers were taken to Clara Maas Medical Center in Belleville for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.  No additional information is available at this time

Anyone with information related to this incident 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.

Newark, N.J.- Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted James Tolbert, 31, of East Orange, of murder and attempted murder in connection with two separate shootings in 2022 and 2023.

On October 9, 2026, after a day of deliberations, a jury found Tolbert guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, and second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose in connection with the 2022 fatal shooting.

The jury also found Tolbert guilty of first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun and second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose in connection with the 2023 shooting.

Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Austin Edwards and Assistant Prosecutor Alaric Azeez tried the case before the Honorable John Gizzo, J.S.C.

The prosecution proved that on November 27, 2022, Tolbert and several other men picked up 16-year-old Alsanir Hall from a residence in Newark and drove him to Irvington. After exiting the vehicle with Hall, Tolbert demanded money from the teenager and shot him in the face at close range. Tolbert and other occupants of the vehicle then fled the scene.

The prosecution also established that on January 22, 2023, Tolbert used the same handgun to fire into a Newark residence in Newark where a five-year-old’s birthday party had taken place earlier. Tolbert and another gunman threw items outside the residence to lure 26-year-old Altiliyah Butler outside. The men fired 19 rounds at Butler, striking him twice.

Following the verdict, Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Edwards stated, “While nothing can bring Alsanir back, we hope this verdict brings some closure to his family and his loved ones and helps them continue to heal.”

Assistant Prosecutor Azeez added, “We thank the ECPO Homicide Task Force, the Newark Police Division, and the Irvington Police Department for their diligent investigative work and commitment to securing justice for the victims.” 

Tolbert is scheduled for sentencing on December 4. He faces 30 years in prison for the murder and 10-20 years in prison for the attempted murder.

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.

JAMES TOLBERT

Newark, N.J.- Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that Wadi Brown, 34, of Newark, was sentenced to 40 years in New Jersey State Prison for the fatal shooting of Keion Alston, 20, also of Newark, in 2025.

On July 16, 2026, a jury found Brown guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

The Honorable Patrick J. Arre, J.S.C. presided over both the trial and the sentencing.

The prosecution proved that on May 10, 2025, Brown and Alston 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 killing him.

Following the sentencing, Assistant Prosecutor Mona said, “We are thankful that we were able to secure justice for Keion Alston and appreciate the strength and support his family and loved ones have shown throughout this case.”

Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, Brown 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.

WADI BROWN

Newark, N.J – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced today the arrest of a Belleville man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a pedestrian on McCarter Highway (Route 21) in Newark on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

Mickael Esteban Barrionuevo Medina, 28, of Belleville, is charged with second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and third-degree endangering an injured victim.

According to preliminary findings, at approximately 7:44 p.m. on Sunday, James Edward Kolla, 62, of Newark was crossing a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Edison Place and McCarter Highway as the traffic light was turning green.

A black pickup truck struck Kolla, knocking him onto the roadway. The vehicle then fled the scene onto Market Street.

Kolla was transported to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 8:11 p.m.

Medina later surrendered to Newark Police.

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.

MICKAEL ESTEBAN BARRIONUEVO MEDINA

Newark, N.J.-Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II announced today that Shaheed Hall, 36, of Newark, has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2024 fatal shooting of a Newark man who was seated in his wheelchair.

On July 24, 2026, a jury found Hall 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 Honorable Christopher S. Romanyshyn J.S.C. presided over both the trial and the sentencing.

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 presented at trial showed Hall and Winston engaged in a heated conversation approximately two hours before the shooting. Additional surveillance footage captured Hall returning to the area and shooting Winston.

Hall was arrested on June 14, 2024, at the Veterans Courthouse in Newark, where he appeared in connection with unrelated weapons and drug charges.

After the sentencing, Assistant Prosecutor Bryashia Atchison said, “This sentence holds the defendant accountable for the brutal murder of Mr. Winston and provides a measure of justice for his family.”

Hall will also serve an additional eight-year sentence for weapons and drug charges, to be served consecutively.

Under the No Early Release Act, Hall must serve 85% of the life sentence before he is 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.

SHAHEED HALL

Newark, N.J.-Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a former controller of a family-owned business in Newark has been sentenced to three years in New Jersey State Prison for stealing more than $200,000 from the company.

Mark Malinosky, 60, of Tucson, Arizona, pleaded guilty to second-degree theft, second-degree computer theft, and second-degree financial facilitation of criminal activity.

Malinosky worked for M Eagle Tools Warehouse in Newark from September 2018 until April 2024, overseeing accounting and payroll functions. He was fired after the company discovered that he had used a credit card belonging to a retired company owner to pay college tuition for his daughters in Arizona.

An audit conducted in 2024 further revealed that Malinosky used company software to increase his own salary and to conceal the theft.

“This defendant abused his position of trust to take more than $200,000 from a local business. This sentence holds him accountable for his actions and for the significant financial harm he caused to this family-owned company”, said Prosecutor Stephens.

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.

MARK MALINOSKY

Newark, N.J. – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that Ahigjah Broomes, 29, of Orange, was sentenced to 55 years in New Jersey State Prison for the 2018 murder of his former girlfriend on a Montclair Street.

On March 23, 2026, a jury found Broomes guilty of first-degree murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.

The Honorable Marysol Rosero, J.S.C. presided over both the trial and the sentencing.

The prosecution proved that in the early morning hours of April 27, 2018, Broomes stalked Akirah Townes, 20, also of Orange, and ultimately killed her, four months after she ended their relationship.

Townes, a student at Kean University, was with a group of friends on Bloomfield Avenue preparing to leave for a trip to Virginia Beach.  Broomes approached Townes armed with a knife and stabbed her multiple times. Townes attempted to escape, while her friends tried to intervene. Broomes then fled the scene.

Townes was transported to St. Joseph’s Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.

Following the sentencing, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Dawn Simonetti, who tried the case along with Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Laprade, said “Akirah Townes, a young Kean University student with her whole life ahead of her, was taken from her family and friends far too soon. Our office will continue to seek justice for victims of domestic violence and prosecute those who commit these offenses. Although this sentence cannot bring Akirah back or heal the pain suffered by her loved ones, we are grateful that justice was served.”

Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, Broomes 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.

AHIGJAH BROOMES