Newark -- Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Kevin Miller, 27, of Newark of felony murder, conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose.
Officials say on June 20, 2015, Miller and an unidentified man robbed Shakime Peppers, 24 of Newark while he and another man were sitting on the front steps of Peppers’ 6th Avenue home.
As Peppers attempted to flee, he was shot in the back by either Miller or the unidentified co-conspirator. Peppers died from his injuries.
After deliberating for six hours, late yesterday an Essex County jury convicted Miller of felony murder and related charges arising from the fatal shooting.
“Your home should be a safe place. This tragedy occurred while the decedent, Mr. Peppers, was sitting on his stoop with a relative. I hope that the jury verdict gives the family some measure of peace in this horrible situation,” said Assistant Prosecutor Carlo Fioranelli, who handled the case.
The defendant is scheduled for sentencing before Judge Michael L. Ravin on January 7th, 2019. He faces a minimum of 30 years in New Jersey State Prison.