By: Richard L. Smith
An Essex County judge has sentenced a Newark man to 100 years in state prison for the fatal shooting of a 67-year-old Newark resident during a violent robbery spree on New Year’s Eve 2023.
According to information released by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, 35-year-old Jarell Riles of Newark was sentenced after being convicted of first-degree felony murder, first-degree murder, robbery, and multiple weapons offenses.
The sentence was imposed by the Honorable Ronald Wigler, J.S.C., who also presided over the trial.
A jury found Riles guilty on February 18, 2026, in the killing of Jose Gaona, 67, of Newark.
Prosecutors said the violence began during the early morning hours of December 31, 2023, when Riles robbed a man at gunpoint on Vessey Street.
During that robbery, the victim was forced to the ground and struck with a handgun.
Authorities said Riles then drove to Malvern Street, where he encountered Gaona as he was getting into his vehicle.
Prosecutors said Riles confronted Gaona at gunpoint, robbed him of his belongings, and then shot him seven times in the back as the victim attempted to get back into his vehicle. Gaona died from his injuries.
Assistant Prosecutors Julianne Bollettieri and Nidhi Goel prosecuted the case.
Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, Riles must serve 85 percent of his 100-year sentence before becoming eligible for parole.