Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that the Honorable Sherry A. Hutchins-Henderson, J.S.C. sentenced Nadiyah Venable, 23, of Newark to 55 years state prison for the murder of Sha-Ron Moens, a 29-year-old mother of three from Newark.

On May 15, 2010 a pregnant Venable, accompanied by her then 15-year-old cousin, went to Moens’ home. Venable threw bleach in the victim’s eyes and then stabbed her at least 30 times, leaving her to die in the presence of two youngest children, according to Assistant Prosecutor Purva Deshpande, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Cynthia Teller. The oldest child ran for help.

Venable was angry because Kenny Jones, the father of Moens’ two youngest children, had decided to terminate his relationship with Venable and returned to Moens.

The jury deliberated for just a few hours before returning a guilty verdict on all counts on June 27, 2013.

Venable was sentenced to 55 years and is required to serve 85 percent of that sentence before becoming eligible for parole under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA).

“Nothing can erase what those children witnessed in this savage attack, but this sentence sends a clear message that committing such a violent and senseless crime will not be tolerated,” said Assistant Prosecutor Deshpande.

Prosecutor Murray commended Assistant Prosecutors Deshpande and Teller for their excellent work on this case.

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County jury convicted Nadiyah Venable, 23, of Newark of murder, felony murder, conspiracy, burglary and weapons offenses for the brutal stabbing death of Sha-Ron Moens, a 29-year-old mother of three.

In a trial before the Honorable Sherry Hutchins-Henderson, J.S.C., the jury deliberated for just a few hours today before returning a guilty verdict on all counts.

On May 15, 2010 a pregnant Venable, accompanied by her then 15-year-old cousin, went to Moens’ home. Venable threw bleach in the victim’s eyes and then stabbed her at least 30 times, leaving her to die in the presence of two youngest children, according to Assistant Prosecutor Purva Deshpande, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Cynthia Teller. The oldest child ran for help.

Venable was angry because Kenny Jones, the father of Moens’ two youngest children, had decided to terminate his relationship with Venable and returned to Moens.

“I believe justice was done today. I know they will always grieve this loss but I hope the rest of the family, especially the children, will be able to move forward,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Deshpande.

Following the verdict, Judge Hutchins-Henderson immediately revoked Venable’s $750,000 bail.

Sentencing has been scheduled for Sept. 27 at 1:30 pm. Venable faces 30 years to life in prison.

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino today announced the arrest of Nadiyah Venable, 20, of Irvington for the murder of Sharon Moens, 29, Newark.

Law enforcement authorities are also seeking an unidentified male in connection with this homicide, according to Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas S. Fennelly.

“This is an active and ongoing investigation,’’ said Fennelly.

Venable has been charged with criminal homicide, felony murder, burglary and weapons charges.
She is being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility.

On Saturday, May 15, 2010 at approximately 12 noon, Newark Police officers responded to a call of an injured person at 449 Prospect Avenue in Newark. The victim, Moens, was discovered with multiple stab wounds, bleeding profusely. She was taken to the University of Medicine and Dentistry Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 1:05 p.m.

It is alleged that Venable and an unidentified male came to Moens’ apartment to confront Moens. Venable, who is pregnant and apparently had a romantic relationship with Moens’ husband, allegedly threw a substance in Moens’ face. A scuffle ensued and Moens was stabbed multiple times.

Venable and the unidentified male fled the scene in a green Ford Explore SUV. The next day around 9:30 a.m. Venable, who owned the car, went to the East Orange Police department to report the vehicle stolen. East Orange Police took her into custody.

Bail for Venable has been set at $750,000 by the Honorable Rachel Davidson. The arraignment date has not yet been set.

These charges are mere accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.