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.
