By: Richard L. Smith
A West Orange man has been convicted in connection with two deadly shootings that occurred in East Orange and Orange in March 2022, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced.
Darneil Thomas, 26, was found guilty by an Essex County jury of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of attempted murder, and related weapons offenses following a trial before the Honorable 
Ronald D. Wigler, J.S.C.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Thomas and three other individuals opened fire on 
Qusim Rooks and David Escobar on Hilton Street in East Orange on March 15, 2022, at approximately 8:30 p.m.
During the shooting, prosecutors said Thomas fatally shot his associate, Joshua Dessin, in the back of the head.
Authorities said Thomas traveled to Scotland Road in Orange the following day and fatally shot Anton Douglas while Douglas was working at a mechanic’s shop.
Douglas was struck multiple times, including three gunshot wounds to the head.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutors Carlo Fioranelli and Justin Bennion of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
“This verdict is the result of tireless investigative work and precise collaboration between law enforcement agencies,” Bennion said. “We hope this verdict provides some measure of comfort and closure to the victims’ family and friends.”
Fioranelli said the families of Joshua Dessin and Anton Douglas have endured an unimaginable loss and expressed hope that the verdict brings them a sense of justice and peace.
Thomas is scheduled to be sentenced on June 29 and faces a potential sentence of 30 years to life in prison on each murder conviction.