Jury Convicts Newark Defendant Of First-Degree Murder, Felony Murder, Robbery & Weapons Charges In Fatal New Year’s Eve Shooting
Sunday, March 1, 2026, 10:30 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
NEWARK, NJ.- An Essex County jury has convicted a Newark man in connection with a violent New Year’s Eve 2023 crime spree that left one man dead and another severely injured, prosecutors announced.
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, confirmed that a jury found Jarell Riles, 35, of Newark, New Jersey, guilty of first-degree Felony Murder, first-degree Murder, Robbery, and multiple Weapons Offenses. The verdict was returned on February 18, 2026, following five days of testimony before the Honorable Ronald Wigler, J.S.C., in Essex County Superior Court.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutors Julianne Bollettieri and Nidhi Goel.
A Violent Crime Spree;
According to evidence presented at trial, the events unfolded in the early morning hours of December 31, 2023.
Prosecutors established that Riles first robbed a man at gunpoint on Vessey Street in Newark. During that encounter, Riles forced the victim to the ground and pistol-whipped him before fleeing the scene.
Shortly thereafter, Riles drove to Malvern Street, where he encountered 67-year-old Jose Gaona as Gaona was entering his vehicle. Prosecutors told the jury that Riles exited his car, approached Gaona while armed, and robbed him of his personal belongings.
When Gaona attempted to re-enter his vehicle, Riles shot him seven times in the back. Gaona succumbed to his injuries.
The jury ultimately found Riles guilty of both purposeful murder and felony murder, meaning jurors determined that the killing occurred during the commission of a robbery, elevating the charge under New Jersey law.
Prosecutors Respond;
Assistant Prosecutor Bollettieri addressed the gravity of the verdict following the conviction.
“The death of Mr. Gaona and the violent robbery of the other victim are tragic and senseless crimes,” Bollettieri said. “We hope this conviction for these brazen acts of violence against members of the Newark community brings some sense of security to all Essex County residents. While nothing can bring back the life that was lost, we hope this conviction will bring Mr. Gaona’s family some measure of closure.”
Assistant Prosecutor Goel emphasized the broader impact of the jury’s unanimous decision.
“No verdict can bring back the victim whose life was senselessly taken or fully heal the wounds of the surviving victim. However, the unanimous guilty verdict affirms that these senseless acts of violence will not go unpunished. Our deepest sympathies remain with both victims and their loved ones.”
Multi-Agency Investigation;
Prosecutors credited investigators from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Newark Police Division, the New Jersey State Police, and the Orange Police Department for their coordinated work in bringing the case to trial.
Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific forensic or surveillance evidence presented during the five-day proceeding, but the conviction followed what prosecutors described as a comprehensive investigation and prosecution effort.
Sentencing Scheduled;
Riles is scheduled for sentencing on March 27, 2026. Under New Jersey law, first-degree murder carries a potential sentence of 30 years to life imprisonment, subject to the state’s No Early Release Act, which requires defendants convicted of certain violent crimes to serve at least 85 percent of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
The public is encouraged to report information related to criminal activity by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC (1-877-847-7432). All calls remain confidential.
Editor’s Note:
This article was written by Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, and is based on official statements released by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office regarding the February 18, 2026, conviction of Jarell Riles in Essex County Superior Court.
