By: Richard L. Smith
Two Newark men affiliated with a violent street gang operating out of the Bradley Court Housing Complex have been convicted in connection with the 2022 murder of a rival gang member and rapper.
According to U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer, Tyler Shorter, 22, also known as “Money Bags” and “Bags,” and Amir Canty, 23, known as “Blast,” were found guilty on all charges following a three-week federal trial.
The convictions include racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, and firearms offenses.
Federal prosecutors said Shorter was a member and Canty an associate of the Sex, Money, Murder set of the Bloods, which operated in Newark’s Bradley Court Housing Complex, commonly referred to as “Munn Block” or “M-Block.”
Authorities said the gang had been involved in an ongoing feud with a rival group known as GBlock, whose members were affiliated with the Grape Street Crips in the Goodwin Avenue section of Newark.
Investigators said Shorter and the victim were rival drill rappers who exchanged threatening messages through music videos and songs.
The conflict turned deadly on November 8, 2022, when prosecutors said Shorter shot and killed the rival rapper Mr. Nyshon Anthony on South Orange Avenue in Newark while Canty served as the getaway driver.
Federal authorities said the killing occurred during a broader crime spree involving a stolen vehicle and attempts to steal additional luxury cars in New York.
Following the shooting, Canty allegedly attempted to set the getaway vehicle on fire.
Prosecutors also presented evidence that the defendants used social media and drill music to promote their gang affiliation and intimidate rivals.
“These were not random acts, but calculated crimes committed in furtherance of a violent criminal enterprise,” Frazer said following the verdict.
The jury deliberated for less than a day before returning guilty verdicts against both defendants.
Shorter and Canty each face a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison without parole.
Both men are scheduled to be
sentenced on March 30, 2027, before U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz.
The convictions were announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, with the FBI Newark Safe Streets Task Force participating in the investigation.