Irvington man sentenced to 40 years for fatal mistaken-identity shooting in East Orange
Believing Sweeney was a member of a rival gang, Parker exited the vehicle and fired 10 rounds from an MP15 rifle, striking Sweeney once in the chest.
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An Irvington man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the fatal 2021 shooting of an East Orange man in a case of mistaken identity, according to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.
David Parker, 23, was sentenced after being found guilty Feb. 5 of first-degree murder in the death of Prince Sweeney, 35, of East Orange.
The shooting occurred Aug. 9, 2021, on North Munn Street in East Orange.
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Prosecutors said Parker, along with his brother Rahman Polen and two others, drove to the area in a stolen sports car seeking retaliation for a 2017 gang-related shooting involving Polen.
Authorities said Sweeney was walking along North Munn Street when the vehicle pulled alongside him. Occupants exchanged words with him before driving away.
Believing Sweeney was a member of a rival gang, Parker exited the vehicle and fired 10 rounds from an MP15 rifle, striking Sweeney once in the chest. Sweeney was later pronounced dead.
Parker was also charged with conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
