Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County jury has convicted Haniyyah Barnes, 28, of Newark of theft, animal cruelty and criminal mischief – all third degree offenses.
The jury was unable to reach a verdict on the more serious offense of second degree burglary.
In August of 2011, Barnes broke into her neighbors’ home, grabbed the neighbor’s two-year-old Shih Tzu, and threw the dog into ongoing traffic, killing the animal.
A police officer was in the area and saw Barnes throw the dog into traffic.
Barnes was upset because the neighbors, who had allowed her mother to park in their driveway, did not answer the door when Barnes came to demand that they move their car so her mother could gain access to her vehicle.
Essex County Assistant Prosecutor Michele Miller, who tried the case, said, “The state and the Bey family are very disappointed with the verdict returned today which did not include a conviction for the count of second degree burglary.
The state’s position is that the defendant’s intention was overwhelmingly clear when she kicked in the door to her neighbors’ home that night. In spite of the verdict, the state appreciates and acknowledges the hard work and effort the jury put into their deliberations.’’
After the verdict, Honorable Ronald Wigler, the presiding judge of the Criminal Division, immediately revoked Barnes’ bail and remanded her to the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark.
Barnes has a prior conviction for third degree terroristic threats. When Barnes is sentenced, she faces up to five years in New Jersey State Prison.