Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that the Honorable Michael L. Ravin, J.S.C., sentenced Alquan White, 26, of Newark to 75 years in state prison for the murder of Bryon Lockett, 42, of Newark and the aggravated assault of Latiff McCleod, 36, of Irvington.
White must serve 59 years before he is eligible for parole. White shot and killed Lockett on Oct. 9, 2009 outside Club Marlos on Lyons Avenue in Irvington. Assistant Prosecutor Lynne Borasio, who urged the judge to impose a life sentence, reminded the judge that the defendant threw a cup on water on jurors during the trial and threaten the judge. Today, the defendant initially refused to come out of the holding cell for the sentencing.
After a 12 day trial, a jury of five men and seven women deliberated for a day and a half before convicting White of murder, aggravated assault and two weapons offenses. In a second trial, he was also convicted of possession of a weapon while being a convicted felon.
Lockett, who was hit in the torso, neck and eye, died from his injuries. McCleod was shot once but survived his injuries.
“As Byron lay on the ground unarmed, defenseless and dying, the defendant made a calculated and deliberate decision to go back over to him, point the gun directly at his head and fire at point blank range,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Borasio.
She argued there was strong likelihood White would commit more crimes if he was not sentenced to life because of his long criminal record.
“Alquan White is far from a stranger to the criminal lifestyle,’’ Borasio said. “He began his criminal career at age 11 and escalated to the ultimate crime of murder.’’
White, who was 24 years old when he murdered Lockett, had been charged seven times as a juvenile. Among other things, the juvenile charges included assaulting a teacher, arson, and possession of illicit drugs. In addition, she noted he has two restraining orders for domestic violence, 11 adult arrests and one adult felony conviction.
In response to defense claims that White’s incarceration would be a hardship on his children, Borasio said, “He has not paid a dime in child support since 2007 for his two children. He is $42,939 in arrears on child support.’’
