By: Richard L. Smith
A City of Orange Township man has been sentenced to 65 years in New Jersey State Prison for the fatal shooting of an East Orange resident outside a ShopRite supermarket in 2022, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II announced today.
The sentencing was handed down by Judge Michael L. Ravin, who also presided over the trial.
After a three-week trial, a jury found 37-year-old Darienne Murray guilty of first-degree murder and weapons offenses in connection with the June 2022 shooting death of 37-year-old Melja Oliver of East Orange.
On the night of the incident, East Orange police responded to 533 Main Street, where they discovered Oliver’s body lying near the side of the supermarket.
Medical examiners later confirmed that he had died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Under New Jersey law, Murray must serve 56 years and two months before he is eligible for parole.