Essex County Jury Convicts Newark Man of Vehicular Homicide

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Najeeh Green, 30, of vehicular homicide and other charges in connection with the death of Priscilla Godoy, a 29-year-old Newark mother.

On May 5, 2018, Green was involved a crime spree that resulted in a man being shot in Newark, a woman being carjacked at gunpoint in East Orange as she unloaded packages from her car and ultimately the death of Godoy.

Godoy’s skull was crushed when she was pinned between two park cars on South 14th Street around 11:44 pm as she tried to avoid the fleeing stolen Jeep Cherokee. She was rushed to University Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Following a nine-day trial before the Honorable Michael L. Ravin, Judge of the Superior Court, an Essex County jury returned a verdict yesterday morning finding Green guilty of all 11 counts. In addition to felony murder, vehicular homicide, and manslaughter while fleeing police, the jury also found him guilty of aggravated assault on the shooting victim, carjacking of the woman in Newark, conspiracy to commit carjacking and aggravated assault and multiple weapons offenses.

Sentencing is scheduled for Monday, June 13, before Judge Ravin.

The defendant, who has three prior felony convictions, faces life in prison.

“The defendant victimized three families. Because of the courage of those who survived, we were able to bring justice to the Godoy family as well as those who were carjacked and shot,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Jason Goldberg who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Brian Olsen.

Prosecutor Stephens lauded all those involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case. In addition to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Special Prosecutions Unit and the Crash and Fire Unit, he also commended the Newark Police Department and the East Orange Police Department.

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today that two men were convicted by an Essex County jury of an armed carjacking. One of those men was also convicted of an armed robbery that occurred on the following day.

Dashawn Ward, 21, of East Orange and Glenford Findlay, 19, of East Orange were both convicted of carjacking, conspiracy to commit carjacking, unlawful possession of a handgun and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose in connection with an incident that occurred on August 31, 2016.

Dashawn Ward was also convicted of first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and related firearm offenses in connection with an incident involving a different victim on September 1, 2016.

According to Assistant Prosecutor Austin Edwards, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor James Felix, on Aug. 31, 2016 both defendants carjacked a victim at gunpoint in East Orange. The defendants drove up in a vehicle while the victim was sitting in her car after work in the parking lot of her apartment complex.

Ward got out of the defendants’ car and pointed a handgun at the victim. He proceeded to force the victim’s driver side door open, ordered her out of her vehicle at gunpoint, and then stole her vehicle. Findlay was operating the vehicle that the defendants used to approach the victim.

On Sept. 1, 2016, Dashawn Ward and a second co-conspirator robbed a victim at gunpoint as he was walking down Central Avenue after purchasing some food. Ward pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded the victim’s personal items. After stealing the victim’s food, keys and sneakers, both suspects fled on foot.

Findlay was charged as the second co-conspirator, however the jury acquitted Findlay of these charges.

“The jury’s verdict ensures that these two violent offenders will not be able to victimize the citizens of East Orange for the foreseeable future,” said Assistant Prosecutor Austin Edwards. “This result was only possible because these victims came forward, worked with the East Orange Police, and took a stand for themselves and their community,” said Assistant Prosecutor James Felix.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 22, 2019 before the Honorable Marysol Rosero, Judge of the Superior Court.

Both defendants are facing a mandatory prison sentence between 10 and 30 years for the carjacking. Dashawn Ward is facing an additional mandatory prison sentence of 10 to 20 years for the robbery, which will likely run consecutively to the sentence for the carjacking. Defendants will have to serve 85 percent of these prison sentences before being eligible for parole.

Seattle Man Sentenced to Life in Prison Under New Jersey’s Terrorism Statute
for Murder of College Student

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that Ali Muhammad Brown, 33, of Seattle was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole by the Honorable Ronald D. Wigler, Judge of the Superior Court, for the murder of 19-year-old University of Richmond student Brendan Tevlin of Livingston.

Tevlin was killed in West Orange on June 25, 2014.

Acting Prosecutor Laurino said, “We hope the resolution of the legal case will give the Tevlin family some solace. Their strength through this tragedy has inspired us.’’
In March, just as jury selection was underway, Brown entered a guilty plea to all charges arising from the murder of Tevlin, including first degree murder, first degree terrorism, first-degree felony murder, first-degree carjacking, first-degree robbery, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Today, Judge Wigler imposed a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole on Brown who is the first defendant to be convicted under New Jersey’s terrorism statute in connection with a homicide. That count alone carried a mandatory life sentence.

Assistant Prosecutor Jamel Semper, who handled the case with Assistant Prosecutor Purva Desphande, called the murder “senseless, shameless violence, premeditated and unnecessary.’’ He urged the judge to imposed three consecutive life sentences for the terrorism, murder and carjacking to deter not only Brown but others who might consider committing similar acts.

When he entered his guilty plea, Brown said the killings were a part of what he called a “Jihad.’’

Shortly before midnight on June 25, 2014, Brown fatally shot Tevlin when he stopped the Jeep Liberty he was driving at a traffic light at the intersection of Northfield Avenue and Walker Road in West Orange. Tevlin had just finished his freshman year at the University of Richmond and was coming home after meeting up with friends.

Describing how Brown targeted Tevlin then shot him 16 times, Assistant Prosecutor Semper said Brown, “took up arms against the country, against defenseless, unsuspecting citizens.’’
Brown is already serving a 35-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison for an armed robbery he committed in West Orange prior to killing Tevlin. Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on another robbery in Ocean County on May 11 and faces three counts of murder in Washington State.

In addition to the West Orange armed robbery, Brown was previously convicted by federal authorities of bank fraud in 2005. In Washington State, he was convicted of sexual contact and aggravated assault. He had one arrest as a juvenile and 19 adult arrests.

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Newark — Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that George Gaymon, 30, of Irvington was sentenced to 65 years in New Jersey State Prison by the Honorable Martin G. Cronin, Judge of the Superior Court.

Gaymon, who declared himself a “sovereign citizen’’ during jury selection and was eventually removed from the court room because he refused to adhere to Judge Cronin’s instructions attempted to claim he was not under the jurisdiction of the court and even sought to have Judge Cronin recuse himself from the case but all those efforts failed yesterday.

Rejecting those claims, Judge Cronin sentenced Gaymon to 65 years in New Jersey State Prison. He must serve 51 years before he is eligible for parole.

On Jan. 26, an Essex County jury convicted Gaymon of 20 counts for a two-day carjacking and robbery spree during which he victimized numerous individuals in Essex County. He was convicted of first degree armed robbery, carjacking, conspiracy to commit carjacking, conspiracy to commit robbery, theft, multiple counts of credit card fraud and multiple counts of illegal possession of weapons, including both a handgun and knife.
“The state is extremely satisfied with the sentence. It will deter others who attempt to go down the road of sovereign citizenry,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor William Neafsey, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Perez.
“The court’s sentence provides justice to the victims who were terrorized during defendant’s crime spree,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Perez.
In the trial before Judge Cronin the evidence showed that Gaymon and co-defendant, Mario McClain, 34, of Orange stole a Jeep Cherokee in Orange and a Dodge Intrepid in Newark and then went to the Power Gas Station on 18th Avenue and robbed an attendant at 7:00 am on March 2, 2014.
Later that morning, they went to Speedwell Avenue in Newark, bumped a white Infiniti with the stolen Dodge Intrepid. When the male driver, a veteran on his way to work, got out to inspect the damage, Gaymon pulled a gun on him and carjacked him.
On March 27, 2014 they used the white Infiniti to bump a woman driving a grey Mercedes Benz SUV in Irvington. They carjacked that vehicle, taking her pocketbook with credit cards that they promptly begin to use at a sneaker store and a deli where they were caught on video. The two were eventually caught and prosecuted.
In January of 2016, McClain entered a guilty plea. Under the terms of the plea agreement he is expected to be sentenced to 15 years in New Jersey State Prison when he is sentenced.
Gaymon has four prior adult felony convictions and multiple juvenile offenses dating back to 2003. His prior convictions are for robbery, receiving stolen property, eluding police and resisting arrest.
Acting Prosecutor Laurino commended the Irvington and Newark Police Departments for their assistance in this case.

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced that Ali Muhammad Brown, 34, of Seattle pleaded guilty today to killing Brendan Tevlin, 19, of West Orange before the Honorable Ronald D. Wigler, Judge of the Superior Court.

Jury selection was underway in the case but yesterday Brown indicated he was willing to plead guilty to all the charges in the indictment.

Prosecutors had refused to agree to a plea bargain. This morning Brown admitted killing Tevlin on June 25, 2014. And, without prompting, he also admitted to committing three other homicides in Washington State just weeks before coming to New Jersey. In one incident involving two victims he said he killed them because he believed they were homosexual. The other homicide was a road rage incident.

In his statement to the court today Brown admitted that the killings were a part of what he described as a “Jihad.’’

In addition to first degree murder, Brown pled guilty to first degree terrorism, first-degree felony murder, first-degree carjacking, first-degree robbery, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
This is the first time the New Jersey terrorism statute has been used in connection a homicide. When he is sentenced on May 1, by Judge Wigler, Brown faces a mandatory life sentence under the terrorism statute alone.

“We did not negotiate with this defendant. From the beginning, our position has been that he had to plead to all the charges or we would go to trial and let the jury decide. Today, this defendant, in open court, admitted to the heinous acts he committed the night he took Brendan Tevlin’s life. Because of his admission, we expect that when he is sentenced on May 1, it will mean that he will never be a free man again,’’ said Acting Prosecutor Laurino.
Brown is already serving a 35-year sentence in New Jersey state prison for an armed robbery he committed in West Orange prior to killing Tevlin.
In addition to the West Orange armed robbery, Brown was previously convicted by federal authorities of bank fraud. In Washington State, he was convicted of sexual contact and aggravated assault. He has an open robbery case in Ocean County and the three homicides in Washington State, which have not been tried. Those are accusations. He remains innocent of those charges until he is convicted in a court of law or enters a guilty plea.

Assistant Prosecutor/Director Jamel Semper, who was trying the case with Assistant Prosecutor Purva Deshpande, said, “Ali Muhammad Brown randomly targeted and executed an innocent defenseless teenager, and admitted in open court to doing the same to three other young men in Washington. He grievously harmed families and terrorized entire communities across the country. This defendant is no martyr, he’s just an admitted terrorist who will now spend the rest of his life in prison. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Tevlin family, and all those affected.”

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted George Gaymon, 30, of Irvington of 20 counts in connection with a two-day carjacking and robbery spree during which he victimized numerous individuals in Essex County.

“This defendant systematically stalked innocent and defenseless individuals to rob and carjack them,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor William Neafsey, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Perez.

“Greed was defendant’s motivation and fear was his weapon. The verdict in this case is the result of the courage of the victims coupled with the exhaustive investigative efforts of the Newark and Irvington Police Departments,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Perez.

In the trial before the Honorable Martin G. Cronin, Judge of the Superior, the evidence showed that Gaymon and co-defendant, Mario McClain, 34, of Orange stole a Jeep Cherokee in Orange and a Dodge Intrepid in Newark and then went to the Power Gas Station on 18th Avenue and robbed an attendant at 7:00 am on March 24.

Later that morning, they went to Speedwell Avenue in Newark, bumped a white Infiniti with the stolen Intrepid. When the male driver, a veteran on his way to work, got out to inspect the damage, Gaymon pulled a gun on him and carjacked him.

On March 27, they used the white Infiniti to bump a woman driving a grey Mercedes Benz SVU in Irvington. They carjacked that vehicle, taking her pocketbook with credit cards that they promptly begin to use at a sneaker store and a deli where they were caught on video. The two were eventually caught and prosecuted.

The crime spree took place on March 24 and March 27, 2014. In January of 2016, McClain entered a guilty plea. He is to be sentenced to 15 years in state prison.

As jury selection began Gaymon declared himself a “sovereign citizen’’ and refused to adhere to Judge Cronin’s instructions. Eventually, the judge had him removed from the courtroom and the trial was held in his absence.

On Friday, Jan. 26, the jury convicted him of first degree armed robbery, carjacking, conspiracy to commit carjacking, conspiracy to commit robbery, theft, multiple counts of credit card fraud, multiple counts of illegal possession of weapons, including both a handgun and knife.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 12. Because of his prior record, the prosecution will be seeking an extended prison sentence. Gaymon has five prior felony convictions.

Acting Prosecutor Laurino commended the Irvington and Newark Police Departments for their assistance in this case.

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that three of the men responsible for the carjacking and murder of Dustin Friedland, the 30-year-old Hoboken lawyer killed leaving The Mall at Short Hills, were sentenced to lengthy prison terms today by the Honorable Michael L. Ravin, Judge of the Superior Court.

“These sentencings end the legal process. We hope this will allow the family to begin the process of healing after this unspeakable tragedy, ’’ said Acting Prosecutor Laurino.

The shooter, Hanif Thompson, 33, of Irvington was sentenced to 30 years in New Jersey State Prison without possibility of parole after pleading guilty to felony murder. Co-defendants Karif Ford, 36, and Kevin Roberts, 37, both of Newark, were sentenced to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison.

Both must serve 17 years before they are eligible for parole. Roberts and Ford pled guilty to first degree carjacking. Roberts was with Thompson as they approached the Friedlands.

Assistant Prosecutor Brian C. Matthews, who handled the case, said on Dec. 15, 2013 Friedland and his wife were in the Mall parking garage getting into their Range Rover when they were approached by two men. Friedland was pistol-whipped and shot by Thompson, who took the couple’s car.

“The medical examiner was quite clear. He took the butt of the gun and rendered Dustin Friedland helpless. Yet still Thompson shot him in the head,’’ said Matthews as he argued in court that Thompson continued to show no remorse.

A fourth defendant, Basim Henry, 36, of South Orange went to trial and was found guilty of murder, felony murder, carjacking, conspiracy to commit carjacking, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose. Henry, the getaway driver, was sentenced to life plus 10 years.

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Judson Porter, 22, of Irvington of carjacking and nine other counts following a three-day trial before the Honorable John Zunic, Judge of the Superior Court.

On Jan. 27 of this year Porter, while wearing a mask, approached a silver Nissan Murano parked on the street in Irvington. He ordered the two victims out of the car and took their cellphones, money and car keys then fled with the car to Newark.

The car was discovered abandoned about 10 minutes later. Approximately two hours later police saw Porter walking toward the vehicle. When they attempted to arrest, him he resisted arrest, according to Assistant Prosecutor Joseph A. Giordano, who tried the case.

Late yesterday, a jury convicted Porter of first degree carjacking, two counts of armed robbery, three weapons offenses, aggravated assault on a law enforcement office, obstruction of the administration of justice and possession of cocaine.

“Without the cooperation of the public in this case, justice would not have been possible,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Giordano.

Sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 26. Porter, who has two prior felony convictions for theft and receiving stolen property, faces 25 years in New Jersey State Prison on the carjacking alone.

Karif Ford, 35, of Newark and Hanif Thompson, 32, of Irvington pled guilty to their respective roles in the crime that resulted in the death of 30-year-old Hoboken lawyer Dustin Friedland.

Ford and Thompson were part of a scheme to go to the mall looking for high-end cars. They killed Friedland while trying to take his new Range Rover.

Today, they admitted what they did that night. Ford pled guilty to one count of first degree carjacking and Thompson, the shooter, pled guilty to felony murder and unlawful possession of a handgun.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Ford must serve 85 percent of a 20-year sentence before he is eligible for parole and Thompson must serve 30 years before he is eligible for parole, according to Assistant Prosecutor Brian Matthews, who handled the case.

Newlyweds, the Friedlands had gone to the mall on Dec. 15, 2013 when the four defendants came to the mall looking for a car to steal. As Mr. Friedland helped his wife into their Range Rover and walked back to the driver’s side of the vehicle,Thompson approached him and demanded his keys. A struggle ensued and Thompson shot Friedland.

Basim Henry, 36, of South Orange, the getaway driver, went to trial and was convicted on all counts. He was sentenced to life in prison. Kevin Roberts, 39, of Newark entered a guilty plea in July to first degree carjacking and is facing a 20-year sentence. He must serve 85 percent of that sentence before he is eligible for parole.

“The resolution of the remaining cases spares the victim’s widow from having to testify on two more occasions and brings some finality to this case which has been an unspeakable nightmare for the family,’’said Matthews.

Sentencing is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 18 at 9 a.m. before Judge Ravin. All three defendants, who have not yet been sentenced, are expected to sentenced on the same day.

In June of this year an Essex County jury convicted Brinson of aggravated manslaughter, conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, felony murder, conspiracy to commit carjacking, carjacking, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose following a trial before the Honorable John Zunic, Judge of the Superior Court.

Today, Judge Zunic sentenced Brinson to life in prison for felony murder and 30 additional years for the carjacking. Brinson must serve 85 percent of both sentences before he is eligible for parole. He was also sentenced to 20 years with a 10-year period of parole ineligible, which will run concurrent to the other sentences, for unlawful possession of a weapon.

Brinson has a prior conviction for reckless manslaughter from 2009.

Assistant Prosecutor Purva Deshpande, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Anthony Scibetta, said, “Today ends the long nightmare for the Patel family. Mr. Patel was a hardworking man who was trying to make a difference in Irvington.”

On June 19, 2013 the defendant, his two brothers and a cousin entered the Irvington Mini-Market located at 130 Myrtle Avenue in Irvington. The defendant pointed a handgun at the victim and announced a robbery, saying “You know what it is.”

Mr. Patel pulled out a wooden stick. Before he could do anything with the stick, the defendant fired three times and struck the victim one time in the torso. The four males then robbed the cash register and left the store. As they ran off, they saw a 74-year-old man parking in the driveway. The defendant pointed the gun at that man and carjacked him. The four men entered the car and drove it to the Bradley Court Housing Complex in Newark where they abandoned the vehicle.

The three co-defendants have all pled and are expected to be sentenced on Sept. 26. The co-defendants are Shakil Brinson, 25, Deion Brinson, 21, and Carnell Colbert, 26, all of Newark.