Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted Darneil Thomas, 26, of West Orange, for his role in two separate murders that occurred in East Orange and Orange in 2022.
Thomas was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of attempted murder, and related weapons offenses.
The case was tried by Assistant Prosecutors Carlo Fioranelli and Justin Bennion before the Honorable Ronald D. Wigler, J.S.C.
The prosecutors proved that on March 15, 2022, at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Hilton Street in East Orange, the defendant and three other individuals opened fire on Qusim Rooks and David Escobar. During the attack, Thomas shot his associate, Joshua Dessin in the back of the head causing his death.
The following day, Thomas traveled to Scotland Road in Orange and fatally shot Anton Douglas while Douglas was working at a mechanic’s shop. Douglas was struck multiple times, including three gunshot wounds to the head.
Assistant Prosecutor Justin Bennion stated, “This verdict is the result of tireless investigative work and precise collaboration between law enforcement agencies. We hope this verdict provides some measure of comfort and closure to the victims’ family and friends.” Assistant Prosecutor Carlo Fioranelli added, “Joshua Dessin’s family and Anton Douglas’s family have endured an unimaginable loss because of the defendant’s actions. We hope this verdict brings them a sense of justice and peace.”
The assistant prosecutors also commend investigators from the ECPO, the Homicide Task Force, the East Orange Police Department, Orange Police Department, the Newark Police Department, and federal law enforcement partners for their dedication and tireless effort throughout this investigation.
Thomas is scheduled for sentencing on June 29. He faces a potential sentence of 30 years to life in prison on each murder conviction.
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.
