NJ Man Fatally Shot Robbery Victim, Pistol-Whipped Another; Jury Finds Him Guilty

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A jury recently convicted an Essex County man on a murder charge after he robbed two people on New Year’s Eve in 2023 – pistol-whipping one of them and shooting the other seven times in the back, prosecutors say.

Jarell Riles, 35, of Newark, was found guilty of first-degree murder, as well as robbery and weapons offenses, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. The jury returned its guilty verdict on Feb. 18 after five days of testimony.

Here’s what happened, prosecutors said:

“Riles first robbed a man at gunpoint on Vessey Street in Newark during the early hours of Dec. 31, 2023, forcing the victim to the ground and pistol-whipping him during the robbery. Riles then drove to Malvern Street, where he observed Jose Gaona, 67, of Newark, getting into his vehicle. He exited his car, confronted Gaona at gunpoint, and robbed him of his personal belongings. When Gaona attempted to re-enter his vehicle, Riles shot him seven times in the back, ultimately killing him.”

Essex County prosecutors credited investigators with the Newark Police Division, the New Jersey State Police, and the Orange Police Department for aiding with the investigation.

Riles is scheduled to be sentenced on March 27.

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