Newark, N.J.- Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Newark man has been convicted of aggravated assault and weapons offenses in connection with the 2024 shooting of a man on a Newark street.

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

Newark – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II and Livingston Township Chief of Police Gary Marshuetz announced today that John Kane, 39, of Sparta, has been charged with four counts of sexual assault and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

It is alleged that Kane, a former wrestling coach at Newark Academy in Livingston, sexually assaulted the 15-year-old victim on April 26, 2026.  The complaint alleges that the defendant transported the victim to the parking lot at the St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston where the sexual assault took place. The victim is not a student at Newark Academy.

Kane was previously involved with the Livingston Youth Wrestling Program, the West Essex Regional School District, the Township of Livingston, and The Work Family Connection, an after-school program, that services Morris, Warren, Union, Somerset, and Hunterdon Counties.  

The investigation was initiated by the Livingston Police Department, who arrested Kane on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

This investigation is active and ongoing.

These 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.

Anyone with information related to this investigation 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.

JOHN KANE

Newark, N.J.– Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Newark man has been sentenced to a total of 45 years in New Jersey State Prison for physically assaulting a woman and sexually assaulting a minor in Irvington in 2024.

On March 7, 2026, Caream Davis, 46, of Newark, was found guilty of two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of first-degree kidnapping, one count of second-degree aggravated assault, one count of third-degree aggravated assault, one count of third-degree making terroristic threats, one count of third-degree criminal restraint, and two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.  

The Honorable Michael L. Ravin, J.S.C. presided over both the trial and the sentencing.

The prosecution proved that Davis punched a 51-year-old woman from behind while she was walking her dogs in the early hours of June 3, 2024, knocking her to the ground. He then continued to punch the victim while she was still on the ground. The defendant then walked a few blocks away, where he encountered a minor who was also walking his dog. After engaging the minor in conversation, Davis grabbed him by the neck, strangled him, and carried him to the side of a building, where he sexually assaulted him. Davis also threatened to kill the minor during the attack.

The defendant fled New Jersey to Richmond, Virginia in the days following the attack. He was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Richmond Police Department on June 5, 2024. Davis was extradited to New Jersey on June 10, 2024.

“We hope that this sentence provides the victims with some measure of closure and also allows them and their fellow residents of Irvington to feel much safer, knowing that this defendant is no longer in the community,” said Assistant Prosecutor Logan Teisch.

Davis will not begin serving this sentence until August 19, 2028, when he completes serving a sentence for a parole violation. 

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.

CAREAM DAVIS

Newark, N.J – Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced today an arrest in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a 17-year-old girl in Newark on Sunday, August 9, 2026.

Erik Montesinos, 26, of Bloomfield is charged with second-degree vehicular homicide, second-degree leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, and third-degree endangering an injured victim.

Video surveillance shows that Montesinos was driving a gray sedan at a high rate of speed at approximately 8:52 p.m. Sunday when he struck Zakiyah Dansby, of Newark, near the intersection of Bloomfield Avenue and Mount Prospect Avenue. A Newark police officer driving a black Ford Explorer, an unmarked Newark Police Vehicle, was traveling westbound on Bloomfield Avenue when the gray vehicle travelled past in the eastbound lane at a high rate of speed. The officer made a U-turn, and shortly thereafter, the driver of the gray vehicle struck the pedestrian. The officer pulled over to render aid to the victim and notified the Newark Police Division of the accident.  The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.  Montesinos fled the scene following the crash.

Later that evening, Montesinos contacted the Newark Police Division’s Second Precinct and told officers that he had been involved in a car crash. Montesinos subsequently turned himself in at the Second Precinct.

The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office/ Fatal Police Encounter Unit responded to the scene and initiated an investigation to determine whether the victim’s death occurred during “an encounter with law-enforcement officer” as required by statute and Attorney General Directive.

The initial investigation into the vehicular homicide was conducted by the New Jersey State Police with assistance from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation was recently transferred in its entirety  to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for charging and prosecution.

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.

Anyone with information related to this case 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.

ERIK MONTESINOS

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 and Cedar Grove Chief of Police Frank Pumphrey 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