By: Richard L. Smith
An Essex County jury has convicted Darienne Murray, 37, of Orange, for the 2022 murder of Melja Oliver, 37, of East Orange, according to a statement from Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II.
The jury found Murray guilty on all charges, including murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose.
The fatal shooting took place on June 3, 2022, outside a ShopRite supermarket on Main Street in East Orange.
East Orange police discovered Oliver’s body lying next to the building, later determining that he had died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Following an investigation by the Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force, Murray was arrested just five days later on June 8, 2022.
Detectives found no evidence that Murray and Oliver knew each other before the incident.
The trial lasted three weeks and concluded on October 2, 2024.
The jury took just over an hour to deliver its guilty verdict.
Murray now faces life in prison, with a minimum of 30 years to be served before parole eligibility.
He is currently being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility until his sentencing, scheduled for January 6, 2025.
“Melja was a father, uncle, and brother. His family suffered a horrible loss when he was killed,” said Assistant Prosecutor Jason Alterbaum. “We hope this verdict brings them some comfort, knowing justice has been served.”
Law enforcement and witnesses who cooperated in the case were also acknowledged for their roles in securing the conviction.