Three Men Convicted in 2019 Newark Barbershop Killing of Sabor Townes
Justice arrived for the family of Sabor Townes, as an Essex County jury convicted three men on October 29 for the 2019 shooting inside a Newark barbershop. Daezhon Peterson, William James IV, and Watson Delcy now face decades behind bars following the verdict, which closes a chapter of pretrial delays and courtroom arguments overseen by Superior Court Judge Christopher Romanyshyn.
The tragedy unfolded on November 19, 2019, inside the Cut Creators Barbershop located on Clinton Place. According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Townes, a 22-year-old resident of Maplewood, was working at the barbershop when gunmen opened fire. James and Peterson fired more than 25 rounds at him. Townes was pronounced dead at the scene.
The gunfire also struck two other individuals who survived. While the courts have now secured convictions for three of the perpetrators, authorities said a third shooter was never identified.
Peterson and James Convicted of Murder and Conspiracy
Following three days of jury deliberations, the panel returned guilty verdicts across multiple serious charges. The jury found James, 24, of Irvington, and Peterson, 25, of Maplewood, guilty on all counts, which included first-degree murder, first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, three counts of second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, three counts of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and two counts of second-degree aggravated assault.
Prosecutors identified Delcy, 25, of Hillside, as the driver of the getaway car, a stolen Toyota Corolla. As a result of his involvement, Delcy was found guilty of third-degree receiving stolen property along with first-degree murder and first-degree conspiracy to commit murder.
Extensive pretrial motions and frequent changes in defense counsel caused delays for the proceedings, which were presided over by Superior Court Judge Christopher Romanyshyn. Assistant Prosecutors Jacqueline Bilinkas and Sean Bradley tried the case.
Looking Ahead to Sentencing in January 2027
The legal accountability for the three convicted men will culminate on January 8, 2027, when all three defendants are scheduled to be sentenced. Each faces 30 years to life in state prison.
According to statements from the prosecutor’s office, Peterson and James are additionally facing consecutive sentences ranging from 10 to 20 years for the wounds inflicted upon the two survivors.
Reflecting on the conclusion of the trial, Assistant Prosecutor Bilinkas emphasized the human cost of the crime. This was a senseless act of violence and a tragedy for the Townes family. The jury’s verdict represents justice for a victim whose life was taken far too soon, while holding the defendants responsible for their heinous actions that night,
Bilinkas stated.
Echoing that sentiment, Bradley pointed to the verdict's wider effects. This guilty verdict sends a clear message: those who take a life will be held fully accountable. The defendants acted together, and justice has prevailed for Sabor Townes, his family, and this community,
Bradley said.
Detectives from the Essex County Homicide Task Force and responding personnel from the Newark Police Division received recognition from the prosecutors for their work. Anyone possessing information regarding criminal activity is urged by the office to contact their confidential tips hotline at 1-877-TIPS-4EC (1-877-847-7432).
