Newark, N.J.- Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that two defendants have been sentenced in connection with the 2023 vigilante murder of a teenager in Newark.

The Honorable Judge Arthur Batista, J.S.C., presided over both the trial and the sentencing.

On June 25, 2025, 51-year-old Felicia Bynum and 33-year-old James Headen both of Newark, were convicted of first-degree murder, first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, second-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and second-degree weapons charges. 

The prosecution proved that on August 17, 2023, the defendants opened fire on a stolen white 2022 Lexus SUV involved in a robbery spree, a car crash, and a shootout in Newark. One of the three occupants, 17-year-old Kiman Mays of Newark, was killed. The driver, 29-year-old Lonnell Carruthers of Irvington, was injured. Surveillance footage revealed that the defendants pursued the SUV throughout Newark’s South Ward after witnessing the occupants commit multiple robberies.

James Headen was sentenced to 40 years in New Jersey State Prison for the murder of Kiman Mays, to be served consecutive to a 10-year sentence for the shooting of Lonnell Carruthers, for a total sentence of 50 years. Felicia Bynum received the same sentence–40 years for the murder of Kiman Mays, consecutive to 10 years for the shooting Lonnell Carruthers, for a total of 50 years in prison.

“While nothing can bring back the life that was taken, we hope these 50-year sentences bring some measure of comfort to the family. We also hope these lengthy sentences send a clear message that vigilante justice will not be tolerated and will be met with serious consequences,”said Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Justin Edwab.

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.

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 shooting that claimed the life of a man in Newark in the early hours of Saturday, February 21, 2026.

At approximately 3:38 a.m., the Newark Police Division received a 911 call of a man with a gunshot wound outside a building on Lexington Street.

Responding officers found the victim, later identified as Jeffrey Washington, 62, of Camden, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest.  The victim was transported to University Hospital where he was pronounced deceased at 5:15 a.m.

This is an active and open investigation. No additional information is available at this time.

The public is encouraged to report any information related to this incident 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.

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 shooting that claimed the life of a man in Newark on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

At approximately 2:26 p.m., Newark police officers responded to reports of a gunfire on the 200   block of Springfield Avenue. Officers found three males suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victims were transported to University Hospital.

One individual, Nyree Williams, 24, of Newark, was pronounced deceased at approximately 2:38 p.m.

This is an active and open investigation. No additional information is available at this time.

The public is encouraged to report any information related to this incident 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.

Newark, N.J. – Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Newark housing inspector has been charged with second-degree theft by extortion.

On September 23, 2025, Jaquan T. McGiver, 50, of Belleville, allegedly attempted to obtain $1,500 from a Newark homeowner in exchange for dismissing fines related to documented violations at a multi-family dwelling on Lexington Street.

The homeowner did not pay the requested money and instead reported the matter to city officials, prompting an investigation by the Newark Police Division’s Special Investigations Unit.

“Newark residents have the right to expect that safety inspections are conducted fairly and honestly. Attempting to extort money to overlook violations not only undermines public safety but erodes public trust. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office will hold accountable those who abuse their authority for personal financial gain”, said Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Portia Downing.

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.

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 car crash that resulted in the death of a pedestrian in Newark.

On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the Newark Police Division received calls reporting a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Chancellor Avenue and Fabyan Place.

A UPS delivery truck traveling northbound on Fabyan Place collided with a vehicle traveling westbound on Chancellor Avenue. Following the collision, the second vehicle struck two pedestrians who were walking westbound in the northern crosswalk of Chancellor Avenue toward Fabyan Place.

The victim, identified as Danielle Sadowski, 42, of Elizabeth, was transported to University Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased at 1:18 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

A male pedestrian and the driver of the second vehicle were also transported to University Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries. The driver of the UPS truck reported no injuries and declined medical treatment.

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

Anyone with information related to this incident is urged 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 and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced today that an investigation is underway into a fatal motor vehicle crash claimed the life of a woman on Route 21 in Newark.

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, at approximately 2:00 a.m., the Newark Police Division received 911 calls reporting a single-vehicle crash in the area of Route 21 north bound near Riverside Avenue.

Witnesses reported that the vehicle left the roadway, became airborne over a guardrail, and fell from the elevated roadway before overturning and landing on Riverside Avenue.

The driver, identified as Estefania Dilone, 25, of Kearny, was trapped inside the vehicle and had to be extricated. She was transported to University Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased at 2:55 a.m.

A passenger in the vehicle was also transported to University Hospital and sustained minor facial fractures.

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

The public is encouraged to report any information related to this accident 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.

Newark, N.J.- Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted David Parker, 23, of Irvington, of first-degree murder, second-degree conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Assistant Prosecutor Brian Pollock and Assistant Prosecutor Christian Marin tried the case before the Honorable Christopher Romanyshyn, J.S.C.

The jury returned its verdict of guilty on February 5, 2026, after four days of testimony.

Parker was convicted in the fatal shooting of Prince Sweeney 35, of East Orange, on August 9, 2021.

The prosecution proved that Parker, his brother Rahman Polen, and two others drove to North Munn Street in East Orange in a stolen sports car, looking for someone to kill in retaliation for the 2017 gang-related shooting of Polen.

Sweeney was walking down North Munn Street with a friend when the defendant’s car pulled up next to him. Parker and the other occupants exchanged words with Sweeney. The vehicle then drove up the street, and Parker, who is affiliated with the Bloods gang, mistakenly identified Sweeney as a member of the rival Crips gang. Parker exited the vehicle and fired 10 rounds from an MP15 rifle, striking Sweeney once in the chest and killing him.

Assistant Prosecutor Brian Pollock said, “David Parker executed the victim for simply walking down the street in what Parker believed was rival gang territory.  This verdict should serve as a warning to anyone who engages in this kind of brutal crime that we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.” Assistant Prosecutor Christian Marin added, “We hope this verdict brings the victim’s family some measure of closure and that they feel that justice has been served.”  

The prosecutors also thanked investigators from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the East Orange Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.

Parker is scheduled to be sentenced on March 27, 2026. He faces a minimum 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.

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted Eric Hampton Manning, 30, of Newark, of first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

The Honorable Patrick J. Arre, J.S.C. presided over the case.

Manning was convicted in the fatal shooting of Sharique Ray Young 28, of Newark on March 8, 2022.

Surveillance video showed Manning approaching Young’s parked vehicle on Huntington Avenue at approximately 8 p.m., holding a firearm behind his back. Young was seated in the driver’s seat speaking with a friend who was standing outside the open driver’s-side window. Another friend was seated in the passenger seat. Manning pushed the friend away from the window and opened fire, striking Young four times. No one else was injured in the shooting. Manning then ran to the end of the block which becomes Schuyler Avenue, where he was seen entering a getaway vehicle eight minutes after the shooting.

Manning was arrested November 4, 2022, as he awaited sentencing on an unrelated matter.

Assistant Prosecutor Dorian Belfiore, who was part of the trial team, said “This outcome reflects the hard work, diligence, and commitment to justice demonstrated by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. We hope this result brings some measure of comfort and closure to the victim’s family.”

The prosecutors also thank investigators from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Newark Police Division for their assistance in this investigation.

Manning is scheduled to be sentenced on March 24, 2026. He faces a minimum 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.

Newark, N.J. – Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted Moa Mengesha, 43, of South Orange, of two counts of second-degree eluding police.

Assistant Prosecutor Gianna Sanguinetti and Assistant Prosecutor Kathryn Zangari tried the case before the Honorable Judge Lori Grifa, J.S.C.  The defendant represented himself at trial.

The charges stem from two separate incidents in South Orange during which the defendant was observed operating a motor vehicle with a fictious license plate displaying the word “Traveler.”

On August 22, 2024, South Orange police officers attempted to stop the defendant while he was driving on Irvington Avenue. The defendant initially stopped his vehicle. When officers discovered that the vehicle was not registered and asked him to turn the vehicle off, the defendant instead placed the vehicle in drive and sped away. At the time, two officers had their hands on the vehicle and could have been dragged as a result of his actions.

On September 2, 2024, police officers again attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop on South Orange Avenue and Sloan Street. Surveillance video shows the defendant making a K-turn to avoid striking an officer. In doing so, the defendant drove onto a curb and then onto a sidewalk. The defendant then ran a red light into a busy intersection with oncoming traffic, causing another vehicle to swerve to avoid a collision. He then ran through a second red light, driving around a vehicle that was stopped.

“Eluding poses a serious threat not only to law enforcement, but to other motorists, pedestrians, and the community at large. We are pleased with the verdict, and thank the officers involved for their assistance in this investigation,” said Assistant Prosecutor Gianna Sanguinetti.

Assistant Prosecutor Kathryn Zangari added, “This verdict sends a clear message that individuals who flee from police will be held accountable for their actions and that protecting the public remains a top priority”

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office thanks the South Orange Police Department for its assistance in this investigation.

Mengesha is scheduled to be sentenced on March 20, 2026.

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.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is now accepting applications for our 2026 Summer Youth Internship Program.

The program offers high school students the opportunity to learn about the criminal justice system, develop professional skills, and explore future careers in public service.

Participants will take part in workshops on leadership and positive decision-making, college and career readiness, internet safety, gang awareness, and substance abuse prevention. The interns will also go on college tours, and cultural trips.

The application deadline is March 11, 2026.

See flyer for full details.