Three men found guilty in 2019 Newark barbershop killing

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office announced on Monday that three men have been convicted of murder in the 2019 shooting at a Newark barbershop. The verdicts cover the death of Sabor Townes, a 22-year-old barber from Maplewood, who was killed while working at Cut Creators Barbershop on Clinton Place.

The jury returned its decision on Thursday, Oct. 29, after three days of deliberations. The convicted men are Daezhon Peterson, 25, of Maplewood; William James IV, 24, of Irvington; and Watson Delcy, 25, of Hillside. Prosecutors stated that James and Peterson fired more than 25 rounds at Townes during the incident, which occurred on Nov. 19, 2019. Two other people in the shop were also struck by gunfire and survived. A third shooter involved in the attack has not been identified.

Delcy was identified by the prosecution as the driver of a stolen Toyota Corolla used to leave the scene. James and Peterson each faced charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. They were also convicted of aggravated assault and multiple weapons offenses. Delcy was convicted of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and receiving stolen property.

The three men are scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 8, 2027. Each defendant faces a state prison term of 30 years to life. Prosecutors indicated that James and Peterson will also serve additional consecutive prison terms ranging from 10 to 20 years. These extra sentences are tied to the injuries sustained by the two surviving victims in the shooting.

The case remains active in Essex County courts as the legal team prepares for the upcoming sentencing hearing. The convictions conclude the trial phase of the prosecution, which began after the fatal incident at the Clinton Place location.