By: Richard L. Smith
An Essex County jury has convicted a 29-year-old Irvington man in a deadly 2022 shooting that left one man dead and two others injured, including one who was left partially paralyzed.
According to a statement released by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Joseph Ocasio was found guilty of first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and multiple weapons offenses following a six-week trial before Superior Court Judge Michael L. Ravin.
The verdict was delivered on April 25, 2025.
Prosecutors Michele Miller and Melanie Laprande presented evidence showing that on April 10, 2022, Ocasio entered Nitty Sons Variety Store in Bloomfield and opened fire.
The shooting claimed the life of 23-year-old Christian Perez of East Orange. Two other victims, 31-year-old Kwame Kemp and 32-year-old Rahim Teague, were also shot.
Kemp was struck in the back and left partially paralyzed, while Teague was shot in the hand.
At the time of the shooting, Teague’s three children—ages 7, 9, and 14—were inside the store.
As a result, Ocasio was also convicted on three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
“We are grateful to the jury for their time and attention in seeing that a just result was achieved,” said Assistant Prosecutor Miller. “I know I can speak for the families of the many victims when I say that they are very appreciative of the jurors’ hard work and for the verdict.”
Assistant Prosecutor Laprande credited the outcome to the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, saying, “This result would not have been possible without the incredible teamwork of law enforcement.”
According to the statement released by the Prosecutor’s Office, investigators from the Essex County Homicide Task Force, along with police departments from Bloomfield, East Orange, and Newark, played key roles in the investigation and trial preparation.
Ocasio is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7, 2025, and faces the possibility of life in prison.