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 Alquan B. Council, 28, of Newark pled guilty before the Honorable Nancy Sivilli, Judge of the Superior Court, to first degree aggravated manslaughter for fatally shooting Rayshawn Ross, 39, of Newark.

Council also pled guilty to second degree aggravated assault for shooting another man who survived and unlawful possession of a weapon. In exchange for pleading guilty, the state agreed to recommend a 23-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison. Under the No Early Release Act, Council would be required to serve 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole. He would also have 5 years of parole supervision after he is released from state prison.

According to Assistant Prosecutor Justin Edwab, who handled the case, on the evening of June 25, 2017 Council took an illegally possessed shotgun from his apartment at 4-6 Edwin Place and shot it multiple times outside where other residents of 4-6 Edwin Place and their acquaintances were sitting.

The defendant fatally shot Ross, who was 39 years old at the time. A second victim was also shot by the defendant but he survived. Following the shooting of the two victims, the defendant fled to Syracuse, New York. Subsequently, on July 7, 2017, Council was apprehended by local authorities in Syracuse.

“The apprehension, detention, and conviction of Alquan Council was the direct result of the cooperation of eye witnesses, the Essex County Homicide Task Force, and members of the Syracuse Police Department. Thanks to their collective efforts, this defendant will be off the streets of Newark for nearly a quarter of a century,” said Assistant Prosecutor Edwab.

Sentencing for Council is scheduled for June 11 before Judge Sivilli. In addition to the aggravated manslaughter, he will also be sentenced for a violation of the probation he was sentenced to prior to the shooting of Ross.

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Durrell Hearn, 26, of Newark of murdering Tykwan Crenshaw during a robbery a chicken restaurant, following a one-week trial before the Honorable Michael L. Ravin, Judge of the Superior Court.

Assistant Prosecutor Carlo Fioranelli, who tried the case, said on Jan. 8, 2015 Crenshaw, 20, of Newark was fatally shot during a robbery at the Royal Chicken Restaurant, located in the 400 block of Springfield Avenue in Newark. In addition to robbing and killing Crenshaw, Hearn was convicted of robbing two other people during the Jan. 8, 2015 incident.

On Friday, an Essex County jury convicted Hearn on all eight counts charged in the indictment — murder, felony murder, three counts of robbery, conspiracy and weapons charges.

Sentencing for Hearn, who also uses the last name Heard, is scheduled for Feb. 5, 2018. Hearn, who has three prior drug convictions, faces life in prison without possibility of parole. Hearn also has five open robbery cases, including one in which he shot a patron and is charged with attempted murder.

In addition to Hearn, his codefendant, Leon Trent, 30, of Newark pled guilty to conspiracy and robbery charges on Feb. 2. Trent was accused of standing as the lookout during the robbery at the Royal Chicken restaurant. Trent faces 10 years in New Jersey State Prison when he is sentenced on Jan. 8, 2018.

“We are pleased the jury returned a just verdict in this tragic case. Hopefully, the resolution of the case will provide the Crenshaw family with a degree of closure,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Fioranelli.

Jury Convicts Woman of Reckless Manslaughter in Super Bowl Sunday Killing

 Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Amber Brooks, 21, of Newark of reckless manslaughter for fatally shooting Michael Brown, 49, of Newark.

Following a three week trial before the Honorable Carolyn Wright, Judge of the Superior Court, the jury convicted of Brooks of reckless manslaughter, unlawful possession of a weapon and aggravated assault by pointing a fire arm.

Assistant Prosecutor Roger Imhof, who handled the case, said, Brooks faces five to 10 years when she is sentenced on March 18.

“As always the state respects the jury’s verdict,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Imhof. “This case is an example of too many illegal firearms getting in the hands of young people who revert to the use of guns to resolve minor disputes. Mr. Brown was a completely innocent bystander who was simply patronizing a city eatery when he was shot and killed by the defendant.’’

Brooks shot Brown on Feb. 3, 2013, Super Bowl Sunday, as he walked along Elizabeth Avenue in Newark at approximately 8:15 p.m. The shooting occurred during an argument between Brooks and another woman. That woman accused Brooks of breaking into her apartment.

Newark Man Convicted of Double Murder

Jury finds him guilty on all 24 counts

 Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County jury has found James Olbert, 19, of Newark guilty on all 24 counts in connection with a murderous crime spree during which he killed two people, carjacked a woman and robbed four others at gunpoint.

Following a four-week trial before the Honorable Martin G. Cronin, Judge of the Superior Court, the jury found Olbert guilty of killing Wilfredo Campos, 36, and Miguel Torres, 37, during a crime spree, involving six incidents, which began on Dec. 15, 2011 and ended on Jan. 17, 2012.

He was also found guilty of multiple weapons offenses, two felony murders, carjacking a woman, four armed robberies and illegally using a stolen credit card to purchase $90 worth of hamburgers and French fries at McDonald’s.

Sentencing has been tentatively scheduled for June 5. He faces life in prison without possibility of parole.

 Olbert gave a videotaped statement to police on Jan. 20, 2012, admitting his role in the two murders and other crimes. Olbert admitted he was sitting in the car when his accomplice, 19-year-old Azil Ellington, shot Campos on Dec. 28, 2011 during a robbery on Orange Avenue in Newark. Campos was shot in the back of head as he tried to walk away following the robbery. He died from his injuries five days later.

Also in his statement Olbert admitted he shot Torres on Jan. 17, 2012 during a robbery at Torres’ store, JNC Mini Market, in the city’s West Ward. Olbert entered the store, demanded cash. As Torres began handing over the money, Olbert grew impatient, reached though an opening in the plexi-glass shield and opened fire on Torres, shooting him in the chest four times.

At trial, Olbert took the witness stand and denied involvement in any of the crimes in spite of his prior statements and video evidence putting him at the scene of the crime.

Essex County Assistant Prosecutor Michele Miller, who tried the case along with Assistant Prosecutor Olajide Araromi, told jurors that Olbert had upended the lives of ordinary people, killing two and causing irreparable harm to many others.

Assistant Prosecutor Araromi said, “The defendant’s actions not only affected his victims, but the victims’ families and the community as a whole. When he decided to rob and steal from his victims he not only stole their material possessions, he stole the sense of security every human being is entitled to possess. When he stole the innocent lives of Wilfredo Campos and Miguel Torres, he deprived their families of future memories and life experiences. The convictions will never bring the victims back, but we hope this will be a step in their families’ healing process.’’

Assistant Prosecutor Miller added: “James Olbert took the lives of two hardworking men and victimized four others. Without provocation, he shot Mr. Campos and Mr. Torres in cold-blood for what amounted to pocket change. It is disturbing to think that a 16-year-old could be that heartless but his conduct right up until today shows he is remorseless.’’

Ellington and Isiah Adams, the codefendants, are awaiting trial. They are presumed innocent unless and until they enter a guilty plea or a jury finds them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Acting Prosecutor Murray lauded ECPO Detectives Paul Ranges and John Cosgrove and Newark Detectives Joseph Hadley, Miguel Arroyo and many others assigned to the Homicide Task Force and the Crime Scene Unit for their outstanding work in this case.

Essex County Jury Convicts Man of Murder and Robbery

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Marquise Hawkins, 20, of Newark of murder, felony murder, robbery, conspiracy and weapons offenses in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Khalil Williams of Irvington.

Following a trial before the Honorable Alfonse J. Cifelli, Judge of the Superior Court, the jury found Hawkins, guilty of 10 of the 11 counts he faced. He was acquitted of one weapons offense.

Sentencing for Hawkins is scheduled for May 8.

According to Assistant Prosecutor Justin Edwab, who tried the case, on Feb. 17, 2012, Hawkins and three other men were driving around Irvington with two loaded handguns robbing people. When they approached the intersection of Orange Avenue and Orange Place in Irvington they spotted Williams and three other teenagers walking home.

Hawkins and his accomplices circled the block and came back and robbed the victims at gunpoint. Hawkins remained in the car but ordered his codefendants to shoot. Williams sustained fatal injuries.

“Robbery is bad enough but this case turned into a homicide when Hawkins told the two accomplices, who jumped out of the car, to shoot,’’ said Edwab. “These were innocent kids who were just walking home.’’

Two of the codefendants, Haroon Perry, 23, of Irvington and Azim Brogsdale, 19, of Newark are awaiting trial.

They 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 judge set April 13 for a status conference for those defendants.

Prosecutors believe there was a fourth, unidentified co-conspirator who was also involved but never charged.

Essex County Jury Convicts Man of Killing Off-Duty Police Officer

Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Rasul McNeil-Thomas of aggravated manslaughter for killing off-duty police Officer William Johnson, a lifelong resident of Newark and a 16-year veteran of the Newark Police Department.

Following a four-week trial before the Honorable Judge Robert H. Gardner, Judge of the Superior Court, McNeil-Thomas, 23, of Newark was also found guilty of the attempted murder of Marissa Tarry and Ashley Lamar, both of Newark. Lamar was shot during the drive-by shooting. Tarry was the intended target but was not shot. She saw the defendant approaching and ran for cover.

“This was a senseless and tragic killing of a police officer who simply went to buy a slice of pizza. He was in the wrong place, at the wrong time and caught a bullet intended for someone else,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Romesh Sukhdeo, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Magdalen Czykier.

Officer Johnson, a father of two, was shot on May 26, 2011while ordering a slice of pizza at the Texas Fried Chicken and Pizza restaurant on Lyons Avenue in the city of Newark, just blocks from his home, according to Assistant Prosecutor Sukhdeo. He died from his injuries at 3 a.m. on May 27, 2011.

In court, Assistant Prosecutor Sukhdeo argued that the defendant, seeking retribution because his mother had been punched in the face by a group of girls, decided to go by the Texas Fried Chicken, where the girls involved in the fight were known to hang out, and opened fire on the restaurant.

“We never believed he intended to kill Officer Johnson, but sadly he was killed,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Czykier. “This defendant was aiming for the young woman who assaulted his mother earlier in the day.’’

McNeil-Thomas was also found guilty of carjacking and conspiracy to commit a carjacking. The vehicle used in the drive-by shooting was carjacked from the driveway of a nearby house. The occupant of the car was sitting in the passenger seat of the idling vehicle when she was ordered out of the car by the defendant and an unidentified co-conspirator. She was not physically harmed.

McNeil-Thomas was acquitted of the more serious offense of murder. He was also found not guilty of endangering the welfare of a child, a charge stemming from the fact that there was a baby in a baby carriage at the time he opened fire on the restaurant.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 24 by Judge Gardner. McNeil-Thomas faces life in prison.

McNeil-Thomas was found guilty of the following charges:

• Conspiracy to commit carjacking
• Carjacking
• Conspiracy to commit murder
• Aggravated Manslaughter
• Two counts of unlawful possession of a handgun
• Possession of a firearm with a purpose to use it unlawfully against a person or property
• Two counts of attempted murder
• Two counts of aggravated assault
• Reckless aggravated assault

McNeil-Thomas was acquitted of the following charges:

• Murder
• Attempted murder
• Endangering the welfare of a child

An investigation conducted by the Essex County Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department, has led to the arrest of a seventeen year old Newark resident. The juvenile, who was arrested Wednesday night by task force detectives, has been charged with murder, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Acting Prosecutor Murray praised the work of the Major Crimes Task Force. The juvenile, who cannot be identified at this time because of his age, has been remanded to the Essex County Youth Detention Facility, pending an appearance in the Family Division of the Superior Court, according to Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas S. Fennelly, who added that It is possible that the State will seek to have the juvenile tried as an adult. The investigation is continuing according to Fennelly.

THE CHARGES AGAINST THIS JUVENILE ARE ONLY ACCUSATIONS AND THE JUVENILE IS PRESUMED INNOCENT AT THIS TIME.

The first incident occurred in the 100 block of Muhammad Ali Avenue at approximately 2:40 p.m. Newark police officers were dispatched to a shooting call at the above location. Arriving officers discovered a male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was rushed to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:19 p.m. The victim has been identified as Kareem Jones, age 33 of Irvington, NJ.

The second incident occurred in the 200 block of South 8th Street at approximately 4:50 p.m. Newark officers responded to a shooting call and arriving officers discovered an unresponsive male in the street at this location. Officers subsequently located a female, who had also been shot in this incident. Both victims were transported to University Hospital, where the male victim was pronounced dead at 5:31 p.m. The female victim was treated for a non-life threatening injury. The male victim has been identified as Jermaine Gamble, age 20 of Newark.

Both matters are being investigated by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department. The investigations are ongoing at this time, according to Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas S. Fennelly of the Prosecutor’s Homicide Unit. There is no indication, at this time, that the incidents are related, according to Fennelly. Anyone with information is asked to contact Task Force detectives at (877) 847-7432 or (973) 621-4586.

The IHOP manager, Papa Khaly Ndiaye, 30, was killed and a second person was shot but survived.

** It should be noted that the person in Photo #1 is the same person as depicted in photo #4 and the same person that is depicted in Photo #2 on the left wearing the Mets jacket.

** It should also be noted that this same male has a tattoo of some type of writing (in script) on both of his hands.

** The vehicle that the actors utilized that evening has since been identified as a white Chevy Monte Carlo possibly 2000-2002

We are requesting assistance from the public in identifying individuals in the photographs.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips line at 1-877-847-7432.