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Eugene Cosby of Malaga, Will El-Bey of Vineland, and Clifton Bailey of Camden were convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said in a news release. They were found guilty in the Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018 death of 37-year-old Joseph Jones.
The shooting happened after the practice in the parking lot of Lakeside Middle School in Millville at around 8 p.m. Jones had 10 gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at Inspira Medical Center Vineland.
Investigators said the three men and "other unknown perpetrators" traveled from the Carver Village Apartments in Vineland to the school. After shooting Jones, one vehicle sped away north on Route 55 and shots were fired at a pursuing police officer who had been investigating another incident.
Cosby and Bailey disposed of the vehicles after the killing. El-Bey and Cosby then tried to get other people to lie to investigators.
Cosby and El-Bey were arrested on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018, and Bailey was arrested on Monday, Nov. 12, 2018. Three other suspects pleaded guilty to trying to thwart the investigation.
The trial began in late July and the jury reached its verdict on Thursday, Oct. 31 after about an hour and 40 minutes of deliberating. The jury also determined Cosby and Bailey should receive enhanced sentences as persistent offenders.
Cosby, 48, was also convicted of fourth-degree obstructing administration of law, along with third-degree hindering apprehension or prosecution, tampering with witnesses and informants, and conspiracy to obstruct, hinder, or tamper.
El-Bey, 28, was also convicted of second-degree bribery, third-degree tampering with witnesses and informants and conspiracy to obstruct, hinder, or tamper, and fourth-degree obstructing administration of law.
Bailey, 33, was also convicted of third-degree hindering apprehension or prosecution and fourth-degree obstructing administration of law.
The three men were facing up to life in prison. They would also have to serve at least 85 percent of their sentences before being eligible for parole under the No Early Release Act.
Sentencing was scheduled for Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.
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