By: Richard L. Smith
A Newark man has been convicted on assault-related charges stemming from a deadly 2022 shooting in West Orange, according to a statement released by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced that on June 4, 2026, a jury found 26-year-old Kocou Anani guilty of second-degree aggravated assault and second-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated assault following a trial in Essex County Superior Court.
After six days of deliberations, the jury acquitted Anani of first-degree murder.
According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on September 27, 2022, outside a deli on Watson Avenue in West Orange.
Authorities said Anani and four co-conspirators were waiting outside the store when 20-year-old Corington Valentin exited the business.
Prosecutors proved at trial that Anani initiated a physical confrontation with Valentin, and the other men joined in the assault. During the altercation, one of the co-conspirators allegedly shot Valentin twice in the back.
Valentin was transported to Saint Barnabas Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
Investigators said Valentin also discharged a firearm during the confrontation, striking and injuring Anani.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutors Brianna Sandroni and Jason Alterbaum before the Honorable Kevin Barry, J.S.C.
Sentencing is expected at a later date.