NEWARK, NJ — Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced Nov. 5 that an Essex County jury has convicted three men in connection with the murder of William Porter IV, 23, of Newark.
Assistant Prosecutor Adam B. Wells, who tried the case, said, “I want to thank Detectives Stabile, Marcelli and the rest of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force for their efforts in securing the convictions against these three violent criminals. I also want to thank the jury for its hard work and dedication. The world is a safer place today.”
Porter was fatally shot on April 21, 2017, at approximately 2:30 a.m. after as he exited a nightclub on Mulberry Street near the intersection of Oliver Street. The three defendants staged a carefully planned ambush-style execution of Porter. Porter was shot eight times, including six times to the face and neck.
On Nov. 5, following a trial before Superior Court Judge James Donohue, Rashon “Numnutz” Jackson, 31, of Irvington, was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, weapons charges and charges related to hindering prosecution.
Co-defendants Naim “Stackz-Strafford” Jones, 42, of Newark, and Hakeem “Hakaveli-The Don” Maloney, 38, of Irvington, were also convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, illegally possessing a handgun and possessing a handgun for an unlawful purpose.
Jones is the reputed Godfather of the Red Breed Guerillas set of the Bloods, and Maloney is reputedly a very high ranked member of the Bloods as well. Jackson is an admitted “soldier” with the bloods for the past 17 years.
Jones and Maloney were also convicted of possessing firearms while having been previously convicted of crimes of violence. Jones was previously convicted of aggravated manslaughter and Maloney was previously convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery.
Jones and Maloney were also charged with promoting organized street crime. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on that charge.
Sentencing for Jackson is to be determined. Jones and Maloney are scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 4.
Jones and Maloney are currently on parole. Jones was on parole for conspiracy to commit murder and aggravated manslaughter related to a 2004 double homicide. Maloney was on parole for a conspiracy to commit robbery from 2014.
All face up to life in prison for these convictions based on their prior records.
Assistant Prosecutor Wells also thanked the investigators from the New Jersey Department of Corrections and the New Jersey State Police Street Gang Unit.
About the Author
