By: Richard L. Smith
A Newark man has been found guilty of multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree vehicular homicide, in connection with a deadly high-speed crash that killed two passengers and severely injured two others. 
According to information released by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, a jury convicted 39-year-old Shaquan Wiley on eight counts, including aggravated assault by auto and other related offenses.
The verdict was delivered late Monday, February 24, following a trial presided over by Judge Ronald D. Wigler, J.S.C. Assistant Prosecutors Adam B. Wells and William Chalmers led the case against Wiley.
The charges stem from a single-vehicle crash that occurred on January 25, 2020, along 15th Avenue near Hunterdon Street in Newark.
Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Wiley was intoxicated at the time, driving a 2007 Infiniti G35x at speeds exceeding 84 miles per hour.
As he crossed Bergen Street, he lost control of the vehicle, which then slammed into a tree.
The impact was fatal for two passengers, 17-year-old Tahtiyanah Green and 21-year-old Imani Exum, who died instantly.
Two other passengers, 37-year-old Michael Kirk and 21-year-old Shikeyah Hamlin, suffered life-threatening injuries.
Witnesses testified that the passengers had pleaded with Wiley to slow down moments before the crash. Wiley himself barely survived and had to be extricated from the driver’s seat.
The jury was also tasked with determining whether Wiley qualified as a “persistent offender” under New Jersey law.
Court records revealed that he had six prior felony convictions, including a 2005 vehicular manslaughter conviction for a 2003 incident in which he struck and killed a teenage pedestrian.
With the jury’s determination that Wiley is a persistent offender, the court now has the authority to impose an enhanced sentence for his latest conviction.
Sentencing for Wiley is expected in the coming weeks.