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.
