Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County jury convicted Derrick Miller, 24, and Arthur Thompson, 31, both of Newark of murdering Anthony Hunt, 47, of Irvington.
On Jan. 18, 2010 Hunt was fatally shot three times inside his Brighton Terrace residence. Hunt was home with his family when the two assailants broke in with masks and a gun and shot Hunt.
Miller and Thompson were charged with murder, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, attempted murder, felony murder, weapons charges and conspiracy to commit burglary and robbery.
Thompson was found not guilty of attempted murder and aggravated assault but otherwise both defendants were convicted on every count.
The case was tried before the Honorable Judge Peter V. Ryan, J.S.C., over four weeks. The jury deliberated three days before reaching a verdict late today. Judge Ryan immediately revoked bail. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 18, 2013 – the third anniversary of the murder.
Assistant Prosecutor Michael Morris, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Ahmad Rasool, said, “There is one place on earth where you have a right to feel safe and that is your home. These defendants invaded the safety of the victim’s home, murdering him and changing the lives of his survivors forever.’’
In addition to Hunt, six other people, including a six-month-old girl baby, were in the home at the time of the invasion and murder.
Given the fact that both defendants have multiple prior felony convictions, Assistant Prosecutor Morris said the state will be asking for life without parole at time of sentencing.
Prosecutor Murray commended Det. Robert Shaw and Det. Christopher Smith for their outstanding work on this case.
