By: Yuritza Arroyo
An Essex County jury convicted a man of second-degree attempted aggravated arson and third-degree terroristic threats.
According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, on October 13, 2021, at about 3:20 a.m., Delvin Wilson, 56, of Newark, was captured on video surveillance attempting to set fire to an apartment building on 15th Avenue, where his wife lived.
Officials say the two were married but lived separately.
The video showed Wilson pouring motor oil on the exterior wall of her bedroom and trying to light the oil with a lighter.
Newark Police say before the attempted arson, Wilson left a voicemail on his wife’s cellphone stating he intended to set her building on fire.
According to authorities, after about three hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Wilson of both counts in the indictment.
Wilson has seven prior felony convictions in New Jersey.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 3, 2023.
He faces more than a decade in New Jersey State Prison.
“If this defendant successfully started a fire, he would have harmed his wife and everyone in the building,” said Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Dellera, who tried the case.
“We are grateful that the jury reviewed the evidence and came to a just verdict. This verdict would not have been possible, but for a brave victim who was willing to come to court and face the individual who did this to her.
I hope the verdict brings peace and a sense of security to the victim and her family.”