Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County Grand Jury returned a 5-count indictment charging Phillip Sessoms, 23, of Newark with the murder of Kendal Davis, 22, also of Newark.
In addition to murder, Sessoms is charged with two counts of second degree aggravated assault and two weapons offenses for possessing and using an illegally obtained handgun. The aggravated assault charges stem from injuries sustained by two other individuals.
The indictment alleges that Sessoms fatally shot Davis on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011.
According to Assistant Prosecutor Purva Deshpande, who is handling the case, at approximately 5:17 pm on Oct. 6, 2011, Newark Police responded to the area of North 12th Street and 4th Avenue on reports of shots fired. Davis was found dead inside a white Buick LeSabre.
Detectives learned that Mr. Davis was in his vehicle and speaking to a male, later identified as Sessoms. During the course of their conversation, Sessoms started shooting at Davis, resulting in fatal injuries.
These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they plead guilty or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
