By: Richard L. Smith
A jury has found a Newark man guilty in the fatal shooting of a 67-year-old city resident during a violent crime spree on New Year’s Eve 2023, according to information released by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced that Jarell Riles, 35, of Newark, was convicted of first-degree felony murder, first-degree murder, robbery, and multiple weapons offenses following a five-day trial before Superior Court Judge Ronald Wigler.
The jury returned its guilty verdict on February 18, 2026.
Prosecutors told jurors that during the early morning hours of December 31, 2023, Riles first carried out an armed robbery on Vessey Street in Newark.
Authorities said he forced a man to the ground at gunpoint and pistol-whipped him during the attack.
Moments later, investigators said, Riles drove to Malvern Street, where he encountered Jose Gaona, 67, as the victim was getting into his vehicle.
According to trial testimony, Riles confronted Gaona at gunpoint and robbed him of his belongings. When Gaona attempted to get back into his car, Riles allegedly fired seven shots into his back, killing him.
Assistant Prosecutor Julianne Bollettieri described the crimes as “tragic and senseless,” expressing hope that the conviction offers some sense of security to Newark residents and a measure of closure to the victim’s family. 
Assistant Prosecutor Nidhi Goel echoed those sentiments, stating that while no verdict can undo the harm caused, the unanimous decision affirms that such acts of violence will not go unpunished.
The Prosecutor’s Office credited investigators from the Newark Police Division, the New Jersey State Police, and the Orange Police Department for their roles in the case.