By: Richard L. Smith
An Essex County jury has convicted Keiron Murray, 39, of Newark, on multiple charges, including gun possession, drug possession, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct, according to a statement released by Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II.
The trial, presided over by the Honorable Kevin Barry, J.S.C., lasted two days.
After deliberating for just two hours, the jury returned its verdict on Friday, November 22.
The case was prosecuted by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Carlo Fioranelli and Assistant Prosecutor Nidhi Goel.
According to Assistant Prosecutor Goel, the charges stemmed from an incident on September 28, 2021, when Orange Police officers observed Murray and another individual standing outside a vacant lot at 169 Chapman Street in Orange.
The officers instructed the men to leave the area. Upon returning two hours later, they discovered a handgun, a hollow-point bullet, and methamphetamine on the ground near a parked car.
Prosecutor Stephens praised the work of the prosecutorial team and law enforcement officers involved in the case, emphasizing the importance of removing illegal firearms and drugs from Essex County streets.
Sentencing for Murray is expected to follow in the coming weeks.