Gunman, Driver Sentenced In Linden Nightclub Shooting That Injured 3

LINDEN, NJ — Two men have been sentenced for their roles in a 2022 shooting inside a Linden nightclub that sent three people to the hospital, officials said.

East Orange residents Najir Paige, 29, and Sharif Evans, 26 had both pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the Aug. 6, 2022 shooting at Menga Lounge. Judge Thomas Isenhour handed down their sentences on Dec. 8, said Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Linden Police Chief David Hart on Friday.

Officials said Paige retrieved a gun from Evans's vehicle after a dispute inside the club, and fired numerous rounds through the front door, injuring several patrons. Evans drove Paige away from the scene and tried to hide the vehicle involved, authorities said previously.

A 24-year-old woman suffered a non-life threatening graze wound and a 28-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to his extremities in the shooting, police said. Both victims were rushed to Trinitas Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Also injured was a 23-year-old woman who suffered a gunshot wound to her abdomen and extremities, police said. She was rushed to UMDNJ Hospital in Newark in serious, but stable, condition.

Isenhour sentenced Paige to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison for the charge of second-degree aggravated assault and five years in prison for second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm. Paige must serve 85 percent of his sentence for the aggravated assault charge, officials said, and is required to serve the entire sentence for the firearm charge.

Evans was sentenced to three years of probation and given credit for 452 days spent in jail after pleading guilty to third-degree hindering apprehension, officials said.

Past reporting:

• Shooting At Linden Nightclub Leads To Arrest Of East Orange Man: Cops
• Bridgewater Woman Injured In Shooting Inside Linden Nightclub