By: Richard L. Smith
An East Orange man has been sentenced to 125 years in prison following his conviction for the 2021 murder of a Newark resident, as well as a jailhouse plot to tamper with witnesses, according to a statement released by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Isaiah J. Knight, 31, received the lengthy sentence from Superior Court Judge Ronald D. Wigler after a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder, multiple weapons offenses, and conspiracy to commit witness tampering.
The sentencing follows Knight’s April 17, 2025, conviction in connection to the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Tyzier White.
The incident took place on June 1, 2021, along Campbell Street in Newark, where prosecutors say Knight shot White five times at close range during a dispute involving Knight, the victim, and Knight’s cousin.
While incarcerated, Knight allegedly orchestrated a plan to interfere with the case by coordinating with several associates.
Authorities say he enlisted the help of his sister, cousin, girlfriend, and another unidentified man in an attempt to tamper with witnesses.
His sister, cousin, and girlfriend have also been charged and are awaiting the outcome of their own legal proceedings.
Knight was sentenced to 75 years without parole for the murder of White.
He received an additional 10 years—also without parole—for conspiracy to commit witness tampering.
The remaining 40 years stem from a first-degree weapons offense related to Knight’s prior aggravated assault conviction. 
That sentence will run consecutively, with parole eligibility after 20 years.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office emphasized that the case reflects the severe penalties associated with both violent crime and attempts to obstruct justice.