By: Richard L. Smith
Assalaam Garnes, 30, of Newark, has been convicted of manslaughter by an Essex County jury, as announced by Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II.
The conviction relates to the fatal shooting of his cousin, Mr. Shakill Springer, in 2018.
The incident occurred on September 20, 2018, when Springer, then 24, was shot outside his Newark home following a verbal altercation with Garnes.
Garnes was apprehended on October 5, 2018, along with the murder weapon.
On February 22, 2024, after a thorough trial, the jury found Garnes guilty of second-degree manslaughter, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in connection with Springer's shooting.
Additionally, Garnes was convicted of second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon for having the murder weapon on a separate occasion.
Scheduled for sentencing on April 11, 2024, before Judge Verna G. Leath, Garnes, who has two prior convictions, faces up to 20 years in prison.
Assistant Prosecutor Jessica Yannette, who tried the case with Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Carlo Fioranelli, remarked on the tragic nature of the case, saying, "This was a senseless act of violence that took the life of a young man."
The prosecution team expressed hope that this verdict would bring justice and closure to the victim's family.