Newark Café Owner’s Murderer Convicted, Faces Life In Jail

NEWARK, NJ — An Essex County jury has convicted a Newark man for fatally shooting the owner of Zakiyyah’s Café on Chancellor Avenue in Newark during a robbery in 2013, prosecutors announced Tuesday.

Jury members convicted Zakariyya Ahmad, 20, of Newark, on multiple charges in the death of killing Joseph Flagg, 41, of Union, on Oct. 27, 2013, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said.

After a five-day trial, the jury found Ahmad guilty of reckless manslaughter, felony murder, conspiracy to commit robbery, first-degree armed robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Flagg was fatally shot when Ahmad – a juvenile at the time - and two other teens attempted to rob his café and he began to “tussle” with his assailants, prosecutors said.

• See related article: Third Teen Charged with Deli Owner's Murder

Ahmad faces 30 years to life when he is sentenced on June 16, prosecutors said.

A juvenile defendant, whose name has not been released, pleaded guilty to felony murder in connection with this fatal shooting.

A third defendant, Daryl Cline, 20, is awaiting trial and remains in custody, prosecutors said.

“This case is tragic on so many levels,” Assistant Prosecutor Portia Downing said. “[Mr. Flagg] moved from Brooklyn to New Jersey and opened Zakiyyah’s Café in Newark. That business was a big part of the community. In addition, Mr. Flagg wanted to help the community and started a labor support company matching former inmates with construction jobs. He understood the importance of giving people a second chance.”

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