Crime & Safety

Murder Conviction For Man In Fatal South Jersey Robbery: Officials

Officials said Devon Woods fired a handgun into the woman's head and neck as she sat in her car. A jury convicted him of murder last week.

WILLINGBORO, NJ — A Trenton man has been found guilty of shooting a woman to death inside her car during a robbery three years ago, the Burlington County Prosecutor said.

Deasia Ayres of Willingboro was sitting in her Dodge Durango in the early hours of Sept. 18, 2019. Her car was parked on Baldwin Lane, in the Buckingham Park section of Willingboro Township, officials said.

Devon Woods, 28, is accused of firing a handgun into her neck and head during the robbery, according to Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw. Ayres, 26, died of her injuries.

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Shortly after the shooting, police arrested Woods and Sam Gore of Willingboro in connection with her death. Gore, 28, is also in the Burlington County Jail awaiting trial on similar charges, Bradshaw said.

Last week, a Burlington County Superior Court jury convicted Woods of murder (first degree), robbery (first degree), conspiracy to commit robbery (second degree), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (second degree), unlawful possession of a weapon (second degree) and certain persons not to have weapons (second degree), Bradshaw said.

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The jury deliberated for about two and a half hours, according to Bradshaw.

Judge Christopher J. Garrenger scheduled sentencing for Jan. 6, 2023.

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