By: Jeff Sommes
Essex County officials reported that a jury convicted Lance Boone, 57, of Newark, of aggravated manslaughter for fatally stabbing Mr. Rashon Williams, 43, of Newark.
According to Essex County Spokesman Robert Florida, on July 27, 2020, Boone and Williams were panhandling in the area of Market Street and McCarter Highway, Newark, when they had a verbal altercation.
Spokesman Florida said Boone used a kitchen knife to fatally stab Williams in the heart. Williams was unarmed at the time.
On Friday, March 31, following a two-week trial before Superior Court Judge Ronald D. Wigler, the jury found Boone guilty on three counts: aggravated manslaughter, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2023. Boone faces up to 30 years in New Jersey State Prison and, under the No Early Release Act, must serve 85 percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
Assistant Prosecutor Julianne Bollettieri, who tried the case, said, “obviously, nothing could bring back the life senselessly taken by this defendant, but I am hopeful that this verdict provides some justice and closure to the family of Rashon Williams.”