By: Richard L. Smith
A 26-year-old West Orange man will spend the next century in prison after being sentenced for two fatal shootings that occurred on consecutive days in 2022.
According to information released by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Darneil Thomas was sentenced to 100 years in New Jersey State Prison after a jury found him guilty on June 2, 2026, of two counts of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and multiple weapons offenses.
Authorities said the first shooting occurred on March 15, 2022, on Hilton Street in East Orange, where Thomas and three other individuals allegedly opened fire on Qusim Rooks and David Escobar.
During the gunfire, prosecutors said Thomas fatally shot his own associate, Joshua Dessin, in the back of the head.
The following day, investigators said Thomas traveled to Scotland Road in Orange, where he shot and killed Anton Douglas while Douglas was working at a mechanic’s shop.
Prosecutors said Douglas was struck multiple times, including three gunshot wounds to the head.
The case was tried before Superior Court Judge Ronald D. Wigler, who also imposed the sentence.
Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, Thomas must serve 85 percent of his 100-year sentence before becoming eligible for parole.