Hillside Man Charged with First Degree Murder in Newark, New Jersey
A Hillside man was recently placed under arrest for the fatal shooting of a man outside an apartment building in Newark, NJ. The suspect is Antwan Malone, a 31-year-old male from Hillside in Union County, New Jersey. According to authorities, Malone was responsible for the killing of John A. Sosa, a 48-year-old man from Roselle, NJ. On July 5, Malone allegedly kidnapped Sosa, took him to the parking lot behind an apartment complex on Brunswick Street in Newark, and shot him. Newark cops arrived at the scene a short time later after getting reports of gunfire. When they showed up at the site of the shooting, they found Sosa on the pavement unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead as a result of his gunshot wounds.
The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, the Newark Police Department, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office worked together to investigate the fatal shooting. Just a few days after the homicide, detectives identified Malone as the suspect and placed him under arrest at a residence located in Hillside, NJ.
Severe Penalties for First Degree Murder in Newark, New Jersey
Malone faces several criminal charges, including charges of first degree murder, felony murder, kidnapping, conspiracy, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has not released a lot of details about the killing, but more information could be forthcoming after Malone appears in Essex County Superior Court for a detention hearing. At this time, it is unclear if Malone and the victim knew each other.
If Malone is eventually convicted at trial on the most serious charge of first degree murder, he could be subject to severe penalties. That’s because murder is a special kind of first degree felony in New Jersey and carries a minimum punishment of 30 years in state prison, with a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.Beyond that, the other charges also carry severe penalties – which means that even a conviction on just the weapons offense charges or the kidnapping charges could result in Malone being sentenced to significant time behind bars.
Contact a Newark Criminal Defense Attorney About Your Homicide Charges
Have you been charged with murder, aggravated assault, robbery, or any other violent crime in Newark, New Jersey? Then you need to speak with an experienced Newark criminal defense attorney immediately. Contact Travis Tormey now to schedule a free consultation about your case.