By: Richard L. Smith
According to a statement released by Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, a Newark man has been sentenced to 40 years in New Jersey State Prison for the 2025 shooting death of a 20-year-old man following an argument in the city’s South Ward.
Wadi Brown, 34, of Newark, received the sentence for the murder of Keion Alston, 20, also of Newark.
Prosecutors said the deadly encounter occurred on May 10, 2025, when Brown and Alston met on Bergen Street before walking around the corner onto Harding Terrace.
Witnesses testified that the two men became involved in an argument before Brown pulled out a handgun and fired six shots, striking Alston in the back and killing him.
On July 16, 2026, an Essex County jury convicted Brown of first-degree murder and two weapons offenses.
Superior Court Judge Patrick J. Arre, who presided over the trial, also handed down the 40-year prison sentence.
Following the sentencing, Assistant Prosecutor Mona expressed appreciation for Alston’s family and loved ones, acknowledging their strength and support throughout the prosecution.
Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, Brown must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence, approximately 34 years, before becoming eligible for parole.