NJ Residents Murdered Teen While Pursuing ‘Vigilante Justice,’ Prosecutors Say

NEWARK, NJ — Two Newark residents were recently found guilty of murder after they opened fire on a stolen car and killed a teenager while pursuing “vigilante justice” against several robbery suspects, prosecutors say.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, a jury convicted Felicia Bynum, 51, and James Headen, 33, of first-degree murder, first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, second-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and second-degree weapons charges.

The charges date back to an incident that took place on Aug. 17, 2023. Here’s what happened, prosecutors said:

“The defendants opened fire on a stolen, white 2022 Lexus SUV involved in a robbery spree, a car crash and a shootout in Newark. One of the three occupants – 17-year-old Kiman Mays of Newark – was killed. The driver – 29-year-old Lonnell Carruthers of Irvington – was injured. Surveillance footage revealed that the defendants pursued the SUV throughout Newark’s South Ward after witnessing the occupants commit multiple robberies.”

“Vigilante justice is not justice,” said assistant prosecutor Justin Edwab, who tried the case with fellow assistant prosecutor, Alaric Azeez.

“No one has the right to unlawfully take someone’s life,” Edwab said.

Bynum and Headen are scheduled for sentencing on Sept. 15. They face 30 years to life in prison, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said that Carruthers, the driver of the Lexus, and a third occupant – Yusuf Julious, 21, of Bound Brook – face charges including first-degree robbery, second-degree conspiracy to commit robbery, third-degree receiving stolen property and weapons offenses.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com