By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Essex County announced that a jury has convicted Lando Marc, 34, of Newark, on charges stemming from the 2021 death of Jenny Philistin, of Elizabeth, in Irvington.
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II stated that Marc was found guilty of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, and related offenses. The case was tried by Assistant Prosecutors Adam Wells and Ibn Alston before the Honorable Verna G. Leath, J.S.C.
The prosecution proved that on December 9, 2021, Irvington police officers responded to a report of a domestic violence incident involving the two parties during a social gathering at a residence on Stuyvesant Avenue, according to Essex County officials.
ECPO officials say Marc attempted to evade police by getting into his vehicle. Philistin followed him, and as officers approached, she jumped on the hood of Marc’s parked car in an apparent effort to keep him from driving away.
Marc sped away with the victim on the hood of his vehicle. He then ran a stop sign and proceeded the wrong way down a one-way street, ECPO authorities said.
Essex County officials said he subsequently lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a parked car, killing Philistin. Marc fled the scene and remained at large for more than a month before surrendering to authorities on January 14, 2022.
Assistant Prosecutor Adam B. Wells said, “This was a senseless and avoidable tragedy. The defendant’s complete disregard for Ms. Philistin’s life directly led to her death. We are glad that we could get justice for the victim in this case.”
Assistant Prosecutor Ibn Alston added, “While there is nothing we can do to bring Jenny back, we hope this verdict can bring closure to the Philistin family as they continue to grieve.”
The assistant prosecutors also commended investigators from the ECPO and the Irvington Police Department for their dedication and tireless effort throughout this investigation, Essex County officials stated. The defendant is scheduled for sentencing on February 5, 2026.
The defendant faces 10-30 years for the aggravated manslaughter conviction and a mandatory consecutive sentence of five to 10 years for leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, ECPO officials say.