2 Murder Convictions In Newark: Man Shot In Wheelchair, Slaying Outside Bar

NEWARK, NJ — Essex County prosecutors recently announced two separate murder convictions involving shootings in Newark.

Last week, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office released an update about the fatal shooting of a man in a wheelchair in April 2024.

A jury found Shaheed Hall, 36, of Newark, guilty on counts of first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a gun, and second-degree possession of a gun for an unlawful purpose. Following, the verdict Hall pleaded guilty to additional charges of certain persons not to have weapons and being a persistent offender.

Here’s what happened, prosecutors said:

“On April 28, 2024, Hall opened fire on Deshaun Winston 50, of Newark, while Winston was seated in his wheelchair and speaking with another man on Osborne Terrace. Winston was struck twice in the head and once in the neck, resulting in his death. Video surveillance introduced at trial showed Hall and Winston engaged in a heated conversation approximately two hours before the shooting. Additional surveillance footage also showed Hall later returning to the area and shooting Winston. Hall was arrested on June 14, 2024, at the Veterans Courthouse in Newark after appearing there in connection with an unrelated matter.”

Hall is scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 2. He faces a minimum of 30 years to life in prison, prosecutors said.

SHOOTING OUTSIDE BAR

Another murder conviction involving a Newark shooting took place Wednesday. The fatal shooting took place outside of a local bar in July 2025, prosecutors said.

A jury convicted Daishaun Mercer, 26, of first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose.

Here’s what happened, prosecutors said:

“Mercer and the victim, Dominique Horne, 35, of Irvington, were both outside an establishment on Academy Street in Newark in the early hours of July 27, 2025, when a fight broke out between two other individuals. During the altercation, the defendant retrieved a gun from his waistband and shot Horne six times. Horne suffered life-threatening injuries, including a gunshot wound to the head. He was rushed to the University Hospital by members of the Newark Police Division.”

Mercer is scheduled for sentencing on Sept. 26. He faces a possible sentence of 30 years to life in New Jersey State Prison, prosecutors said.

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