Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Daevon Davis, 28, of Newark of the July 2015 murder of 44-year-old Christopher Graham of Irvington, following a trial before the Honorable Mark Ali, Judge of the Superior Court.
According to Assistant Prosecutor Caroline Oliveira, who handled the case, on July 13, 2015 around 4:45 pm, Christopher Graham was on Isabella Avenue when Davis and an unidentified co-conspirator ran up the street and in an ambush-style attack shot Graham multiple times in broad daylight before fleeing the scene. The victim died from gunshot wounds within the hour.
“With this verdict today, justice has been done. A violent offender will be off the streets of Newark,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Oliveira.
The motive for the murder was never known. The state’s case included surveillance footage, as well as fingerprint evidence from the scene that linked the defendant to the crime. Davis was also identified by a witness who saw him fleeing the surrounding area shortly after gunshots were fired.
Yesterday an Essex County jury convicted Davis on all charges -- murder, conspiracy, and two gun charges.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 23 before Judge Ali.