Newark Man Faces Life In Jail For West Orange Fatal Shooting

WEST ORANGE, NJ — An Essex County jury convicted a Newark man of murder on Wednesday in connection with a fatal shooting that happened in West Orange in 2015. The shooting claimed the life of Naji Everett, 26, of Orange, authorities said.

Everett was fatally shot “numerous times at point-blank range” outside a residence on the 100-block of Joyce Street in West Orange on Dec. 17, 2015, prosecutors said.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Zaki Jones, 35, of Newark, faces life in prison after a jury convicted him of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and being a convicted felon with a weapon on Feb. 13.

Jones had prior convictions for carjacking, eluding police and receiving stolen property before the fatal shooting. Five months before the murder, Jones was released on parole after serving a 14-year sentence for carjacking, prosecutors said.

In addition to Jones, Rasuan Foster, 29, of East Orange, and Jarret Mceachin, 29, of Orange were also charged with the murder of Everett. Mceachin entered a guilty plea and is serving a 20-year sentence. Foster’s case is pending; he’s expected to go to trial in the spring, prosecutors stated.

“This could not have been accomplished without the efforts of the West Orange Police Department, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the witnesses who cooperated,” Assistant Prosecutor Justin Edwab said.

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