Newark -- Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Shaheed Blamahsah, 31, of Newark of felony murder for his role in the murder of Bruce Turner, 29, also of Newark.
The incident happened on Dec. 31, 2015 in the area of 13th Avenue and Camden Street in Newark. The defendant and his co-defendant, who was killed several weeks later, were meeting the victim in that area to conduct a narcotics transaction.
During the transaction, Turner was shot seven to eight times. His outer layer of clothing and shoes were taken off of him.
A witness testified that the defendant apparently took $30K from the victim. The defendant was arrested on Jan. 29, 2016.
“Bruce Turner, Jr. was senselessly killed on New Year’s Eve, a day that should have been about looking forward to the new year ahead. The jury’s verdict ensures the defendant will now be held responsible for his involvement in this homicide. We hope this verdict brings justice to the Turner family and to the community,” said Assistant Prosecutor Meredith Mona, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Purva Desphande.
The jury was hung on the murder charge but convicted Blamahsah of conspiracy to commit murder, robbery, felony murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and tampering with a witness.
The defendant, who has three prior felony convictions, faces life in prison.