Newark man found guilty of fatal shooting during gunpoint robbery
Jarrell Riles, 35, shot 67-year-old Jose Gaona seven times in the back.
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A Newark man arrested in 2023 for shooting and killing a man after commiting multiple gunpoint robberies has been found guilty of his crimes.
On Dec. 31, 2023, Jarrell Riles, 35, first robbed a man at gunpoint on Vessey Street in Newark, forcing the man to the ground at pistor-whipping him during the robbery.
Riles then drove to Malvern Street, where he confronted Jose Gaona, 67, at gunpoint as he was getting into his vehicle, according to prosecutors.
Gaona was robbed of his personal belongings and was shot seven times in the back by Riles as he attempted to re-enter his vehicle.
"The death of Mr. Gaona and the violent robbery of the other victim are tragic and senseless crimes. We hope this conviction for these brazen acts of violence against members of the Newark community brings some sense of security to all Essex County residents," said Assistant Prosecutor Julianne Bollettieri. "While nothing can bring back the life that was lost, we hope this conviction will bring Mr. Gaona's family some measure of closure."
The jury returned its guilty verdict on Feb. 18 after five days of testimony.
Riles is scheduled to be sentenced on March 27.
