By: Richard L. Smith
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced that a Newark man has been convicted in connection with the 2025 fatal shooting of a 20-year-old Newark resident.
Following approximately three hours of deliberations on July 16, 2026, a jury found Wadi Brown, 34, of Newark, guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
According to information released by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the conviction stems from the May 10, 2025, shooting death of Keion Alston, 20, of Newark.
Prosecutors proved at trial that Brown and Alston met on Bergen Street before walking around the corner to Harding Terrace, where the two men became involved in an argument.
Witnesses testified that Brown fired six shots, striking Alston in the back. Alston died from his injuries.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutors Meredith Mona and Sarah Simon before Superior Court Judge Patrick J. Arre.
Following the verdict, Assistant Prosecutor Meredith Mona said, “While nothing can bring Keion Alston back, we hope this verdict provides his family with a measure of closure and justice.”
Brown will be sentenced at a later date.