Man Convicted Of Murder In Stabbing Death of Jersey City Woman

JERSEY CITY, NJ — A Jersey City man has been convicted of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of a woman in the Bergen-Lafayette section of that city six years ago, prosecutors said.

A jury convicted Ishmeal Coleman, 46, of all charges against him for the death of Takeela Wilson, 38, in Jersey City on Aug. 12, 2018.

On that August day, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Jersey City Police Department received a report of an injured female at 391 Forrest St., prosecutors said.

They found an unresponsive victim — later identified as Wilson, of Jersey City — with an apparent stab wound to the torso.

She was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 4:35 p.m.

At the time, sources told NJ.com that Wilson had at least two daughters. They also said the killing was a "domestic violence situation."

On a tribute page for Wilson, one person wrote, "She was a joy to know. I surely will miss her humor."

Sentencing To Come

Besides first-degree murder, Coleman was found guilty of two weapons possession charges.

The verdict was delivered before Judge John A. Young, following a multi-week trial, prosecutors said.

The state was represented by Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Najma Rana.

Sentencing is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 16, 2024.