Jury Finds Eric Hampton Manning Guilty On Multiple Weapons Charges In Fatal Ambush-Style Killing

Friday, February 13, 2026, 6:05 P.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

NEWARK, NJ.- An Essex County jury has convicted Eric Hampton Manning, 30, of Newark, New Jersey, of first-degree murder and multiple weapons offenses stemming from the fatal shooting of Sharique Ray Young, 28, also of Newark, in March 2022, according to an announcement made Thursday by Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II.

     Manning was found guilty following a trial presided over by the Honorable Patrick J. Arre, J.S.C. The jury returned verdicts of guilty on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

     The convictions arise from the March 8, 2022, fatal shooting of Young on Huntington Avenue in Newark, New Jersey.

Surveillance Footage Central To Prosecution’s Case;

     According to evidence presented at trial, surveillance video captured Manning approaching Young’s parked vehicle at approximately 8:00 p.m. while holding a firearm concealed behind his back. Young was seated in the driver’s seat of the vehicle and was speaking with a friend who stood outside the open driver’s-side window. A second friend was seated in the passenger seat.

     The video showed Manning forcibly pushing the individual standing at the window away from the vehicle before opening fire. Young was struck four times. No other individuals were injured during the shooting.

     After the gunfire, Manning fled the scene on foot, running to the end of the block where Huntington Avenue becomes Schuyler Avenue. Surveillance footage later showed him entering a getaway vehicle approximately eight minutes after the shooting.

Arrest And Trial Outcome;

     Manning was arrested on November 4, 2022, while awaiting sentencing in an unrelated criminal matter. Prosecutors argued that the shooting was deliberate and targeted, emphasizing the sequence of events captured on surveillance video and corroborated by witness testimony.

     Assistant Prosecutor Dorian Belfiore, who served on the trial team, praised the efforts of law enforcement and the jury’s decision following the verdict.

     “This outcome reflects the hard work, diligence, and commitment to justice demonstrated by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office,” Belfiore said. “We hope this result brings some measure of comfort and closure to the victim’s family.”

     Prosecutors also formally acknowledged the investigative support provided by detectives from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Newark Police Division.

Sentencing Scheduled;

     Manning is scheduled to be sentenced on March 24, 2026. Under New Jersey law, his first-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years to life in New Jersey State Prison, with a substantial period of parole ineligibility.

Public Assistance Encouraged;

Authorities continue to encourage members of the public to report information related to criminal activity. Tips can be submitted confidentially to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC (1-877-847-7432).

Editor’s Note:

This article was written by Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, and is based solely on information released by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and testimony presented during trial proceedings. Sentencing outcomes are determined by the court and may be subject to post-conviction motions or appeals.