Jury Finds Eddy Vilus Guilty Of Murder & Multiple Weapons Charges Following Month-Long Trial
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 1:15 P.M. ET. 3 Minute, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
ASBURY PARK, NJ.- An Asbury Park man has been convicted on multiple serious criminal charges in connection with the February 2023 fatal shooting of a 21-year-old city resident, authorities announced this week.
Raymond S. Santiago, Monmouth County Prosecutor, confirmed Tuesday that Eddy Vilus, 33, of Asbury Park, New Jersey, was found guilty following a month-long jury trial before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Henry P. Butehorn.
After deliberations, the jury returned guilty verdicts on an extensive list of charges, including first-degree Murder; first-degree Conspiracy to Commit Murder; second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon; and second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. Vilus was also convicted of two counts of third-degree Hindering Apprehension; third-degree Theft; third-degree Receiving Stolen Property; second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun; and fourth-degree Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.
The Fatal Shooting;
The convictions stem from a deadly shooting that occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2023, in the area of Ridge Avenue and Springwood Avenue in Asbury Park.
According to prosecutors, Police Officers from the Asbury Park Police Department responded to reports of gunfire and discovered the victim, God Allah, 21, suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders transported Allah to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased shortly before 2:45 p.m.
Investigation And Arrests;
An intensive investigation led by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau, in coordination with Asbury Park police, identified Vilus and Quamere M. Smith, 34, also of Asbury Park, as suspects in the homicide. Investigators determined that Vilus was the individual who carried out the shooting.
Formal charges were filed against both defendants on Friday, February 10, 2023.
Later that same day, Vilus was located and arrested without incident during a traffic stop in Asbury Park. Authorities reported that he was found in possession of a loaded handgun at the time of his arrest. Smith was served with his charges while already incarcerated at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution on unrelated matters.
Co-Defendant Plea;
Smith later entered a guilty plea on Monday, October 6, 2025, admitting to first-degree murder and first-degree conspiracy to commit murder. His plea was accepted by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Jill G. O’Malley.
Sentencing Ahead;
Vilus is tentatively scheduled for sentencing on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at which he faces the possibility of life imprisonment at New Jersey State Prison.
Prosecutors have indicated their intent to seek a sentence of up to 30 years in state prison for Smith. Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA), Smith would be required to serve at least 85 percent of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole. His sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Editor’s Note:
This article was written by Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, and all facts, dates, charges, court proceedings, and sentencing details in this article were verified against official statements from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and court records available at the time of publication. Sentencing outcomes remain subject to final determination by the court.
