By: Richard L. Smith
An Irvington man has been convicted of first-degree murder and multiple weapons offenses in the fatal shooting of a 35-year-old East Orange man, according to a statement released by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced that a jury found David Parker, 23, guilty on February 5, 2026, following four days of testimony.
Parker was also convicted of second-degree conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
The case was tried before Superior Court Judge Christopher Romanyshyn.
The convictions stem from the August 9, 2021 shooting death of Prince Sweeney, 35, of East Orange.
Prosecutors said Parker, his brother Rahman Polen, and two other individuals drove to North Munn Street in East Orange in a stolen sports car while seeking retaliation for a 2017 gang-related shooting involving Polen.
According to evidence presented at trial, Sweeney was walking along North Munn Street with a friend when the vehicle pulled alongside him and words were exchanged.
Prosecutors said Parker, who is affiliated with the Bloods gang, mistakenly believed Sweeney was a member of the rival Crips gang. Parker then exited the vehicle and fired 10 rounds from an MP15-style rifle, striking Sweeney once in the chest and killing him.
Assistant Prosecutor Brian Pollock said the victim was targeted simply for being in what Parker believed was rival gang territory, while Assistant Prosecutor Christian Marin said the verdict provides accountability and may bring a measure of closure to the victim’s family.
Prosecutors also credited investigators from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the East Orange Police Department for their work on the case.