West Orange man sentenced to 100 years in prison for 2022 double homicide
Essex County prosecutors say defendant was convicted of killing two men in separate shootings on consecutive days.
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A West Orange man has been sentenced to 100 years in state prison for two murders committed in 2022, according to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.
Darneil Thomas, 26, was sentenced Wednesday in Superior Court. On June 2, a jury found Thomas guilty of two counts of murder, two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of attempted murder and related weapons offenses.
Prosecutors said Thomas and three other individuals opened fire on Qusim Rooks and David Escobar on Hilton Street in East Orange on March 15, 2022. During the shooting, Thomas fatally shot his associate, Joshua Dessin, in the back of the head.
The following day, prosecutors said Thomas traveled to Scotland Road in Orange and fatally shot Anton Douglas while Douglas was working at a mechanic's shop. Douglas was struck multiple times, including three gunshot wounds to the head.
Under New Jersey's No Early Release Act, Thomas must serve 85% of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
