By: Richard L. Smith
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II announced that Habeeb Robinson, 40, of Newark (pictured left), has been sentenced to a total of 68 years in prison following his conviction for the Christmas Day 2016 murder of Hassan Q. Cobb-Jones (pictured right).
Robinson was found guilty of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, first-degree witness tampering, and second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun.
Superior Court Judge Harold W. Fullilove, Jr. sentenced Robinson on Monday, July 22, to an extended term for the aggravated manslaughter conviction due to his status as a persistent offender with numerous prior convictions.
Robinson received 50 years for the homicide and an additional consecutive term of 18 years for the witness tampering, resulting in a total of 68 years.
Robinson was convicted at trial for shooting and killing Cobb-Jones on December 25, 2016, and for attempting to influence the testimony of a key witness against him through threats.
“We hope this sentence sends a clear message to repeat offenders,” said Assistant Prosecutor Austin Edwards, who handled the trial alongside Assistant Prosecutor Monica Calderon.
“We appreciate that the jury was attentive throughout this trial and returned a verdict that will hopefully provide some closure to Hassan’s family,” added Calderon.
Robinson had eight prior felony convictions, including a 2010 conviction for robbery and weapons possession, for which he was on parole at the time of the 2016 homicide.