Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted Lando Marc, 34, of Newark, on charges stemming from the 2021 death of Jenny Philistin, of Elizabeth in Irvington.

Marc was found guilty of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and related offenses.

 The case was tried by Assistant Prosecutors Adam Wells and Ibn Alston before the Honorable Verna G. Leath, J.S.C.

The prosecution proved that on December 9, 2021, Irvington police officers responded to a report of a domestic violence incident involving the two parties during a social gathering at a residence on Stuyvesant Avenue.  Marc attempted to evade police by getting into his vehicle. Philistin followed him, and as officers approached, she jumped on the hood of Marc’s parked car in an apparent effort to keep him from driving away.

Marc sped away with the victim on the hood of his vehicle. He then ran a stop sign and proceeded the wrong way down a one-way street. He subsequently lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a parked car, killing Philistin. Marc fled the scene and remained at large for more than a month before surrendering to authorities on January 14, 2022.

Assistant Prosecutor Adam B. Wells said, “This was a senseless and avoidable tragedy. The defendant’s complete disregard for Ms. Philistin’s life directly led to her death. We are glad that we could get justice for the victim in this case.”  Assistant Prosecutor Ibn Alston added, “While there is nothing we can do to bring Jenny back, we hope this verdict can bring closure to the Philistin family as they continue to grieve.”

The assistant prosecutors also commended investigators from the ECPO and the Irvington Police Department for their dedication and tireless effort throughout this investigation.

The defendant is scheduled for sentencing on February 5, 2025. The defendant faces 10-30 years for the aggravated manslaughter conviction and a mandatory consecutive sentence of five to 10 years for leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death.

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.

LANDO MARC

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr. announced today that a suspect has been charged in connection with the death of one of the two men killed during a shooting in a Newark recording studio on December 10, 2025.

Naim Andrews, 20, of Newark, has been charged with first-degree murder and related weapons offenses in the death of Namir Bynum, 20, of Newark.

 Surveillance video shows Andrews and a second individual, Osayuwamen Iyamu, 20, of Newark, attacking Bynum. Bynum was shot by Andrews. In an apparent act of self-defense, Bynum fired a weapon, fatally striking Iyamu and injuring Andrews. A fourth individual was also injured in the shooting. He was treated for his injuries and released from the hospital that same evening.

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.

Anyone with information regarding this case 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.

NAIM ANDREWS

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that Torean Nixon, 41, of Newark, has been convicted of sexually assaulting a minor.

Nixon was found guilty of two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, and two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

The case was tried by Assistant Prosecutors Monica Calderone and Gianna Sanguinetti before the Honorable Lori Grifa, J.S.C.

The prosecutors proved that Nixon assaulted the victim on two separate occasions–first in 2020 when the victim was nine years old, and again in 2023, when the victim was twelve years old.

“Sexual abuse of a child is one of the most serious crimes we prosecute. We thank this victim for their strength and courage in coming forward, and we thank law enforcement for their dedication throughout this investigation,” said Assistant Prosecutor Monica Calderone.

Assistant Prosecutor Giana Sanguinetti added, “It is incredibly difficult for any victim of sexual abuse, let alone a child, to come forward. We are grateful for this child’s bravery and are happy we were able to secure justice for them.”

The assistant prosecutors also commended investigators from the ECPO Special Victims Unit and the Newark Police Division Special Victims Unit for their dedication and tireless effort throughout this investigation.

Nixon is scheduled for sentencing on February 1, 2026. He was convicted under the Lunsford Act which allows courts to impose stricter conditions of bail or pretrial detention for defendants charged with serious violent offenses, who are deemed a danger to the community. Nixon faces a minimum sentence of 25 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.

TOREAN NIXON

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted Matthew Colon, 24, and Tashauna Hairston, both of Newark on charges stemming from a fatal shooting that occurred in Newark in 2022.

Colon and Hairston were each found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, and two counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit murder. Colon was also convicted of second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun with a permit, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

The case was tried by Assistant Prosecutors Austin Edwards and Mattison Monteleone before the Honorable Michael Ravin, J.S.C.

The prosecutors proved that on May 19, 2022, Tashauna Hairston drove Matthew Colon to the 400 block of Mt. Prospect Avenue in Newark. Colon exited the vehicle along with two other masked individuals and shot Angel Vargas,18, and Saeed Jan,18, both of Newark multiple times, killing them both. Colon later fled New Jersey and was apprehended in Tampa, Florida with the assistance of federal authorities.

 Assistant Prosecutor Austin Edwards said, “Angel and Saeed’s families have endured the unthinkable, and we hope they find some comfort and closure with this result.” Assistant Prosecutor Mattison Monteleone added, “This verdict makes it clear that anyone who participates in a homicide will be held accountable under the law, even if they are not the person who pulled the trigger”.

 The assistant prosecutors also commend investigators from the ECPO, the Homicide Task Force, and the Newark Police Division for their dedication and tireless effort throughout this investigation.

Colon and Hairston are scheduled for sentencing on February 25, 2026. Each faces a potential sentence of 30 years to life in prison for each murder conviction.

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.

MATTHEW COLON

TASHAUNA HAIRSTON

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Community Justice Unit held its annual “What’s It All About? Youth Conference” on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in Newark.

The conference was open to middle school students in grades 7 through 9 from across Essex County. This year, approximately 400 students from schools in Newark, Irvington, East Orange, and Orange participated in the full day event.

The program featured a keynote address by motivational speaker Hashim Garrett, along with interactive breakout sessions led by experts and community leaders. Topics focused on making positive life choices, preventing gun violence, substance abuse awareness, and cyber safety.

“This event is more than a conference–this is a proactive investment in our youth.  By promoting prevention, awareness, positive decision-making, and access to critical resources, we are helping build strong and safe communities”, said Nicole Graves-Watson, ECPO community relations specialist and event organizer. 

Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II added, “At a time when far too many young people are not only the perpetrators, but the victims of violence, our goal is to reach them early with meaningful, positive guidance that empowers them to make the right choices. This is how we invest in the long-term safety and strength of our communities.”

The annual youth conference is part of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office ongoing commitment to community engagement and youth empowerment through education, prevention, and mentorship initiatives.

Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Newark man has been sentenced to 61 ½ years in state prison for two separate shootings, including one that resulted in the death of a man in 2023. The Honorable Judge Patrick J. Arre, J.S.C., presided over both the trial and the sentencing.

 On April 17, 2025, a jury convicted Dajuan Fiester, 40, of Newark, of 11 counts, including first-degree murder, for shootings that occurred in 2023 and 2022.

The prosecution proved that on May 7, 2023, Fiester shot Julius Ferguson, 38, of Newark, Daniel Campbell, 22, also of Newark, and Michael Newby, 25, of East Orange near the Paraiso Bar on Orange Street, Ferguson was killed. Campbell and Newby were injured.

During the investigation into that shooting, ballistics tests revealed that one of the guns used was a match to a shooting on North 5^th Street in Newark on August 6, 2022. Fiester was convicted of second-degree assault and weapons charges for that shooting as well.

 “While no amount of time can ever replace a life lost, we hope that this sentence brings some form of closure to Mr. Ferguson’s family as well as the additional victims. Gun violence cannot be tolerated, and these senseless acts cannot go unpunished”, said Assistant Prosecutor Julianne Bollettieri.

Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, Fiester must serve 85% of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.

 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.

Dajuan Fiester

Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda announced today an investigation into a fatal shooting that resulted in the deaths of two men and injured two others on Wednesday December 10, 2025.

The shooting happened in a studio used to record music videos at 790 Clinton Avenue.

Newark Police arrived at the scene at about 8 p.m. where they found four males with gunshot wounds.

Namir Bynum, 20, of Newark, was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim, Osayuwamen Uyamu, 20, also of Newark, was pronounced dead at University Hospital at 8:41 p.m.

Two other victims were shot and taken to University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. One of the victims was treated and released from the hospital.

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

Anyone with information regarding this case 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.

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Livingston Police Chief Gary Marshuetz today announced that two men have been charged in connection with the fatal overdose death of a Livingston man.

Erick Peguero, 36, Paterson, and his twin brother, Esteven Peguero, 36, of Clifton, are each charged with first-degree strict liability for drug-induced deaths, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of a school zone, and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance within 500 feet of a public building.

 On May 31, 2025, Livingston police officers were called to a residence, where they discovered Justin Wang, 27, deceased with an empty envelope of heroin by his body.

A joint investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force, the Livingston Police Department, and the New Jersey State Police determined that Wang met with Erick Peguero on May 30 and purchased oxycodone.  Wang also met with Esteven Peguero that same day and purchased heroin.

 Assistant Prosecutor Brianne Cunningham said, “This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to hold drug dealers accountable for the devasting consequences of their actions. Our office will continue to investigate and identify those who distribute controlled dangerous substances, and we will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”

 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.

Anyone with information regarding this case 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.

Erick Peguero

Esteven Peguero

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that an Irvington man was sentenced on November 21, 2025, to 34½ years in prison for first-degree kidnapping, first-degree aggravated sexual assault while armed with a knife, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and fourth-degree aggravated assault.

Kervin Joseph-Michel, 43, was convicted on February 8, 2024, of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman in Irvington on November 4, 2015. He was also convicted of assaulting the victim’s boyfriend who arrived home during the sexual assault. The trial was delayed for nearly a decade because the defendant was deemed incompetent to stand trial multiple times.

The prosecution proved that Joseph-Michel approached the victim as she was walking home while carrying her three-week-old infant son. The defendant repeatedly tried to engage her in conversation. The victim rejected his advances and continued walking home. She was unaware that Joseph-Michel followed her. Once inside her home, Joseph-Michel placed what he said was a gun to her back and forced her into the foyer, where he sexually assaulted her at knifepoint.

Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Celeste Montesino, who tried the case, said “The victim in this case is a hero. She showed extraordinary courage in the face of terrible violence against her and her immediate family. I hope that she finds peace knowing that this defendant will no longer be able to hurt her or anyone else.”

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 remain confidential.

Kervin Joseph-Michel

Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones announced today that the Essex County Crime Stoppers Program has increased the reward to up to $20,000 for information leading to an arrest in the fatal shooting that claimed the lives of three people and injured two others in Newark on November 15, 2025.

The shooting occurred on the 300 block of Chancellor Avenue at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15. Jordan Rivera, 10, and Kiyah Mae Scott, 21, were pronounced dead at University Hospital that evening.  Masi Rogers, 19, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, November 20.

Two additional victims, the 11-year-old brother of Jordan Rivera, and Sheppard Miller, 60, were injured in the incident. The 11-year-old, whose name is not being released, remains hospitalized.

Anyone with information 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.