Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Durrell Hearn, 26, of Newark of murdering Tykwan Crenshaw during a robbery a chicken restaurant, following a one-week trial before the Honorable Michael L. Ravin, Judge of the Superior Court.
Assistant Prosecutor Carlo Fioranelli, who tried the case, said on Jan. 8, 2015 Crenshaw, 20, of Newark was fatally shot during a robbery at the Royal Chicken Restaurant, located in the 400 block of Springfield Avenue in Newark. In addition to robbing and killing Crenshaw, Hearn was convicted of robbing two other people during the Jan. 8, 2015 incident.
On Friday, an Essex County jury convicted Hearn on all eight counts charged in the indictment --- murder, felony murder, three counts of robbery, conspiracy and weapons charges.
Sentencing for Hearn, who also uses the last name Heard, is scheduled for Feb. 5, 2018. Hearn, who has three prior drug convictions, faces life in prison. Hearn also has five open robbery cases, including one in which he shot a patron and is charged with attempted murder.
In addition to Hearn, his codefendant, Leon Trent, 30, of Newark pled guilty to conspiracy and robbery charges on Feb. 2. Trent was accused of standing as the lookout during the robbery at the Royal Chicken restaurant. Trent faces 10 years in New Jersey State Prison when he is sentenced on Jan. 8, 2018.
“We are pleased the jury returned a just verdict in this tragic case. Hopefully, the resolution of the case will provide the Crenshaw family with a degree of closure,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Fioranelli.