Two Men Sentenced To Decades In Prison For Fatally Gunning Down Teen
Sunday, April 6, 2025, 7:15 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
VINELAND, NJ.- On Friday, a 25-year-old Bridgeton, New Jersey, man and a 20-year-old Vineland, New Jersey, man learned they would be senior citizens when released from prison after being sentenced for the robbery and shooting death of a 15-year-old Vineland, New Jersey boy that occurred in a Vineland trailer park in May 2022.
According to Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae, on February 12, 2025, following a trial in Cumberland County Superior Court before Superior Court Judge Joseph P. Chiarello, a jury found Deshawn Bowen, 25, of Bridgeton, and Rohdane Watson, 20, of Vineland, guilty on the charges of first-degree Felony Murder; first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter; and first-degree Robbery. In addition, Bowen was found guilty of second-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.
Evidence Presented At Trial
During the trial, Cumberland County Assistant Prosecutors Cathryn Wilson and Lesley Snock presented evidence that Bowen and Watson met up with the 15-year-old boy, identified only as A.T.S., on May 26, 2022, at the Redwood Courts Trailer Park in Vineland, New Jersey. During their meeting, Bowen and Watson robbed A.T.S., taking his money and a handgun by force.
During the robbery, Bowen and Watson were in possession of a handgun that they brought with them to the meeting. During the meeting, Bowen and Watson shot A.T.S., during the course of the robbery, with the weapon they brought with them. A.T.S. tragically succumbed to a gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased a short time later.
On Friday, April 4, 2025, both Bowen and Watson appeared in Cumberland County Superior Court and were sentenced by Superior Court Judge Chiarello for their February 12, 2025, convictions.
Judge Chiarello sentenced Bowen to 60 years in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the No Early Release Act, which will require Bowen to serve 85% of his custodial term before becoming eligible for parole. In addition, Judge Chiarello sentenced Bowen to a concurrent 5-year term on the conviction of the firearms offense. Bowen will be required to serve an additional five years of parole supervision upon completion of his sentence.
Judge Chiarello sentenced Watson to 50 years in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the No Early Release Act, which will require Watson to serve 85% of his custodial term before becoming eligible for parole. Watson will also be required to serve an additional five years of parole supervision upon completion of his prison sentence.
