An Essex County Jury on Thursday convicted a Newark man of murder after he fired multiple shots at a man causing fatal injuries.
According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, **35-year-old father of two Mr. Pierre Collins of East Orange** was killed in the early morning hours of April 3rd, 2017.
Police responded to reports of shots fired that erupted in the area of Ashland Avenue and Prospect Terrace in East Orange shortly before 2 a.m. where officers arrived to find Collins struck by gunfire according to authorities.
EMS rushed Collins to University Hospital where his injuries ultimately resulted in fatality.
Authorities say detectives arrested Akeeme Thompson, 26, and charged him with murder.
The jury heard about two weeks of testimony before handing down a guilty verdicts on three counts -1st degree murder, unlawful possession of handgun, and possession of weapon for unlawful purpose- to Thompson.
Thompson faces up to 30 years to life in jail when he is sentenced in July.
Collin’s family members told RLS Metro Breaking News that the verdict brings closure to his kids, mother, and the entire community that absolutely loved him.