Convictions Announced In 2 Newark Shootings: Murder, Ammo Charge

NEWARK, NJ — Convictions were announced this week in two separate shootings that took place in Newark: one in 2018 and another in 2021.

2018 HOMICIDE

An Essex County jury recently found Hassan Todd, 36, of Newark, guilty of murder, aggravated assault and weapons possession in connection with the shooting of Elijah Roberts of Newark.

Roberts was fatally shot September 22, 2018 on Avon Avenue in Newark, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. A second victim was also shot but survived, authorities said.

Todd stood trial for the charges in 2019 and was convicted after a jury trial. He was sentenced to prison, but an appellate court reversed the conviction and remanded the matter for a new trial, prosecutors said.

Todd faces a potential sentence of life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 16, prosecutors said.

2021 SHOOTING

Another conviction was announced this week in connection with a shooting that took place on Isabella Avenue in Newark in 2021.

A federal jury convicted Lamar McCullough, 30, of Essex County, of unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon on June 7, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

According to court documents and statements:

“On March 5, 2021, members of the Newark Police Department responded to a report of a shooting victim at University Hospital. Surveillance video recorded at 7:22 p.m. showed McCullough shoot a victim four times at close range in the middle of Isabella Avenue in Newark. Four 9-millimeter shell casings were recovered from the area where McCullough discharged the firearm.”

The felon in possession of ammunition charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing has been scheduled for Oct. 8, prosecutors said.

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