Newark Man & Woman Convicted In Newark 2022, Double Homicide

Monday, January 5, 2026, 7:45 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

NEWARK, NJ.- Late last month, following a trial in Essex County Superior Court before Superior Court Judge Michael Ravin, a jury convicted a 24-year-old Newark, New Jersey, man and a Newark, New Jersey, woman for their roles in the double shooting deaths of two 18-year-old men.

     According to Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, the jury found Matthew Colon, 24, and Tashauna Hairston, both of Newark, New Jersey, guilty of two counts of first-degree Murder; two counts of first-degree Conspiracy to Commit Murder. Colon was additionally convicted of second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon; and second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.

     Following the jury returning their findings of guilt, Judge Ravin accepted the verdict and scheduled sentencing for February 25, 2026. At that time, both Colon and Hairston face a mandatory minimum of 30 years and up to life in New Jersey State Prison, for each murder conviction.

     During the trial, Assistant Prosecutors Austin Edwards and Mattison Monteleone presented evidence that on May 19, 2022, Hairston drove Colon to the 400 Block of Mt. Prospect Avenue in the City of Newark. Colon then exited the vehicle with two other masked individuals and opened fire, killing both Angel Vargas, 18, and Saeed Jan, 18, both of Newark, New Jersey. Following the double fatal shooting, Colon fled New Jersey and was later apprehended in Tampa, Florida, with the assistance of Federal Law Enforcement Agents.

     Assistant Prosecutor Edwards said, “Angel and Saeed’s families have endured the unthinkable, and we hope they find some comfort and closure with this result.” Assistant Prosecutor Monteleone added, “This verdict makes it clear that anyone who participates in a homicide will be held accountable under the law, even if they are not the person who pulled the trigger.”

     Essex County Prosecutor Stephens commended the investigative efforts of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force and the Newark Police Department, which led to the successful convictions of both Colon and Hairston.