By: Richard L. Smith
A Newark man has been convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the 2020 shooting death of a 25-year-old in the city of Orange, Essex County officials announced.
According to a statement released by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, a jury found 34-year-old Marcus Wright guilty on charges of murder and multiple weapons offenses after a three-week trial before Superior Court Judge Michael L. Ravin.
Assistant Prosecutors Austin Edwards and Zhen Liu presented the case to the jury, which returned its verdict on May 28.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on November 20, 2020, near 193 Main Street in Orange.
Prosecutors said Wright confronted the victim, Wisguen Marc, during a dispute and then pulled out a handgun. During the encounter, Wright shot Marc in the back, fatally wounding him.
The shooting was captured on surveillance video and became a key piece of evidence during the trial.
“This verdict reflects the jury’s careful consideration of the facts and rejection of the defendant’s self-defense claim,” said Assistant Prosecutor Edwards. Liu added that the verdict brings a measure of justice for the victim’s loved ones, who were present in court throughout the proceedings.
Officials credited the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force for their diligent work on the investigation that led to Wright’s arrest and prosecution.
Sentencing for Wright is scheduled for August 25, 2025.