Newark, N.J.- Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a Newark man has been convicted in a fatal shooting on a Newark street in 2025. On July 16, 2026, following approximately three hours of deliberations, a jury convicted Wadi Brown, 34, of first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, and second-degree…

What happened

Newark, N.J.- Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N.

On July 16, 2026, following approximately three hours of deliberations, a jury convicted Wadi Brown, 34, of first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Key details

Arre, J.S.C.

The prosecution proved that on May 10, 2025, Brown and the victim Keion Alston, 20, of Newark, met on Bergen Street before walking around the corner to Harding Terrace.

Witnesses testified that the two men argued before Brown fired six shots at Alston, striking him in the back and ultimately killing him.

This verdict reflects that commitment.”

He faces a potential sentence of 30 years to life in prison.

Anyone with information related to criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

Newark Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder and Weapons Charges

Background and context

Assistant Prosecutor Meredith Mona and Assistant Prosecutor Sarah Simon tried the case before the Honorable Patrick J.

What officials said

Following the verdict, Assistant Prosecutor Mona said, “While nothing can bring Keion Alston back, we hope this verdict provides his family with a measure of closure and justice.

Assistant Prosecutor Simon added, “The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to seeking justice for victims of violent crime and holding those responsible fully accountable.

What happens next

Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on September 17, 2026.

All calls will remain confidential.

Legal note: Charges and allegations are accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Source and attribution: Jersey Alerts reviewed the primary official release from Essex County Prosecutor and any additional sources identified above. Names, dates, figures, quotations, claims and characterizations remain attributed to their cited source unless Jersey Alerts states that they were independently confirmed.

Read the official release