Acting Essex County Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County jury convicted Keevin David, 20, of Springfield of murdering Tyrell Coleman, 18, of Orange.
Following a four-day trial before the Honorable Peter J. Vazquez, J.S.C., the jury deliberated all day Thursday and two and a half hours today before returning a guilty verdict.
David had previously been convicted of weapon charges in another trial back in September 2012 but that jury was unable to reach a verdict on the murder charge.
According to Assistant Prosecutor Portia Downing, who tried the case, Coleman was walking home from high school on Jan. 25, 2011 when he was shot multiples times by David around noon time. The shooting occurred in the 200 block of South Center Street, where the victim lived. Coleman was transported to University Hospital but died a short time later.
The motive for the shooting was unclear, although David knew Coleman, said Assistant Prosecutor Downing.
“There were no eyewitnesses. The case was circumstantial but because of the extraordinary police work done by Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Phillip Gregory and Orange Detective Sgt. Michael Tingolie we were able to convince the jury of the defendant’s guilt. We are very pleased. More importantly, the family that had to live through this nightmare is pleased,’’ said Downing.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 1. David faces 30 years to life.
