By: Richard L. Smith
Three men have been convicted in connection with a 2019 shooting inside a Newark barbershop that left a 22-year-old barber dead and two others injured.
According to Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, a jury returned guilty verdicts on October 29, 2026, following three days of deliberations.
Daezhon Peterson, 25, of Maplewood, and William James IV, 24, of Irvington, were each convicted of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated assault and multiple weapons offenses.
Watson Delcy, 25, of Hillside, was convicted of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and receiving stolen property.
Prosecutors said the shooting occurred on November 19, 2019, when Peterson and James opened fire inside Cut Creators Barbershop on Clinton Place in Newark.
The gunmen fired more than 25 rounds at Sabor Townes, 22, of Maplewood, while he was cutting hair.
Townes was pronounced dead at the scene, while two other people struck by gunfire survived.
Authorities identified Delcy as the getaway driver of a stolen Toyota Corolla. A third suspected shooter was never identified.
The case experienced several delays due to changes in defense attorneys and extensive pretrial motions.
Assistant Prosecutors Jacqueline Bilinkas and Sean Bradley prosecuted the case before Superior Court Judge Christopher Romanyshyn.
Following the verdict, Bilinkas described the shooting as a senseless tragedy and said the convictions brought justice to Townes’ family while holding those responsible accountable.