Newark, N.J.- Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted three men in connection with the 2019 fatal shooting of a barber inside a Newark barbershop.
On October 29, 2026, following three days of deliberations, Daezhon Peterson, 25, of Maplewood, and William James IV, 24, of Irvington were each convicted of first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, three counts of second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, and three counts of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
Watson Delcy, 25, of Hillside, was convicted of first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, first-degree murder, and third-degree receiving stolen property.
The defendants were convicted of shooting 22-year-old Sabor Townes, of Maplewood.
The case was tried by Assistant Prosecutor Jacqueline Bilinkas and Assistant Prosecutor Sean Bradley before the Honorable Christopher Romanyshyn, J.S.C.
The trial was delayed by repeated changes in defense attorneys and extensive pretrial motions.
The prosecution proved that on November 19, 2019, James and Peterson fired more than 25 rounds at Townes as he was cutting hair at the Cut Creators Barbershop on Clinton Place in Newark.
Townes was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other individuals were struck by gunfire and survived their injuries. A third shooter was never identified.
Delcy was identified as the getaway driver of a stolen Toyota Corolla.
Following the verdict, Assistant Prosecutor Bilinkas stated, “This was a senseless act of violence and a tragedy for the Townes family. The jury’s verdict represents justice for a victim whose life was taken far too soon, while holding the defendants responsible for their heinous actions that night.”
Assistant Prosecutor Bradley added, “This guilty verdict sends a clear message: those who take a life will be held fully accountable. The defendants acted together, and justice has prevailed for Sabor Townes, his family, and this community.”
The assistant prosecutors also thanked the detectives assigned to the Essex County Homicide Task Force and the responding officers of the Newark Police Division for their hard work and dedication throughout the investigation.
The defendants are scheduled for sentencing on January 8, 2027. Each faces a sentence of 30 years to life in New Jersey State Prison.
James and Peterson face additional consecutive sentences of 10 to 20 years for the injuries sustained by the two surviving victims.
Anyone with information related to criminal activity is encouraged 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.
DAEZHON PETERSON
WILLIAM JAMES IV
WATSON DELCY
