Tag:

First Degree Murder

Newark Man Convicted Of Killing Friend After Argument: Prosecutor Newark Man Convicted Of Killing Friend After Argument: Prosecutor
Newark Man Convicted Of Killing Friend After Argument: Prosecutor A 46-year-old Newark resident was recently convicted of murder in the first degree after shooting his friend in the back in February 2023, authorities said. William Whitfield was arguing with his friend, 45-year-old Keni Johnson inside the Bradley Court Housing Complex, Prosecutor Theodore Stephens, II said. Following the argument, Whitfield went to his apartment, obtained a gun and fatally shot Johnson in the back of the neck, Stephens said. Whitfield faces 30 years to life in prison when he is sentenced in January, Stephens said. Whitfield was also convicted of weapons charges, Stephens s…
NJ Man Convicted Of Beating Mom To Death, Prosecutor Says NJ Man Convicted Of Beating Mom To Death, Prosecutor Says
NJ Man Convicted Of Beating Mom To Death, Prosecutor Says A 38-year-old Maplewood resident was convicted on Monday, Oct. 21 of murder charges in his mother's death, which he then framed as a suicide, authorities said. Benjamin Avrut was found guilty of first-degree murder after beating his 70-year-old-mothe Gwen to death, Prosecutor Theodore Stephens said. The jury had rejected Avrut's insanity defense. On Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, Avrut entered his sleeping mother's apartment at The Top, a luxury condominium in Maplewood, Stephens said. When she awoke, Avrut beat her to death with his fists, Stephens said.  Avrut,  who had a hist…
Plainfield Man Gets 40 Years For Strangling Girlfriend: Prosecutor Plainfield Man Gets 40 Years For Strangling Girlfriend: Prosecutor
Plainfield Man Gets 40 Years For Strangling Girlfriend: Prosecutor A 24-year-old Plainfield man was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Wednesday, May 15, for strangling his 19-year-old girlfriend to death in 2020, authorities said. On July 6, 2020, Plainfield police conducted a welfare check and found the body of 19-year-old Brenda Montoya-Cruz, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel and Plainfield Police Director James T. Abney said.  Bryan Gonzales-Martinez was convicted of first-degree murder last June, authorities said. He must serve 85% of his sentence before he is eligible for parole, authorities said.