3 Men Sentenced For Fatal Shooting Near YMCA In East Orange

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Three men have been sentenced to a combined 70 years in prison in connection with a fatal shooting that took place near a YMCA in East Orange nearly four years ago, prosecutors announced this week.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, three men were sentenced earlier this week in connection with the death of Shawn Watford in April 2020: Anthony Hagans, 35, of Irvington, Clarence Johnson, 38, of East Orange, and Shaquan Adams, 32, of Irvington.

Prosecutors released the following allegations about the fatal shooting:

“On Apr. 13, 2020, the defendants engaged in an hours-long stakeout of the victim’s apartment until he left to go visit his mother. As the victim was walking down the street, Hagans followed him in his vehicle and opened fire, shooting the victim numerous times. The victim fell to the ground, and shortly thereafter, a second vehicle driven by Adams pulled up near the victim. Johnson got out of the second vehicle and fired a single gunshot into the victim’s head while standing over him.”

Earlier this year as their trial was commencing, Hagans and Johnson pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated manslaughter and second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, while Adams pleaded guilty to first-degree conspiracy to commit murder.

Hagans and Johnson admitted to shooting Watford multiple times. Adams admitted to conspiring with his co-defendants in the plan to kill Watford, and admitted to driving Johnson before, during and after the homicide, prosecutors said.

Hagans and Johnson were sentenced to 30 years in prison each. Adams was sentenced to 10 years.

“This was a planned, calculated execution carried out in broad daylight near the YMCA in East Orange,” said assistant prosecutor Austin Edwards, who handled the case.

Prosecutors said it is Hagans’ fourth felony conviction, having previously been convicted for drug distribution, unlawful possession of a weapon, and aggravated assault. This is Johnson’s fourth felony conviction, having previously been convicted of two armed robberies and drug distribution. This was Adams’ second felony conviction, having previously been convicted of unlawful possession of a weapon.

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