Wrong-Target Shooting in Essex County Ends in 40-Year Prison Sentence
A serious gang-related case in Essex County has reached its conclusion, as a 23-year-old man from Irvington has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for a fatal shooting that authorities say was based on mistaken identity.
The case centers around the killing of 35-year-old Prince Sweeney, a resident of East Orange, who was shot and killed on August 9, 2021. According to prosecutors, Sweeney was simply walking along North Munn Avenue when he was targeted and shot in the chest.
Officials from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the आरोपी, David Parker, believed Sweeney was part of a rival gang. Investigators later determined that this belief was incorrect, making the incident a tragic case of mistaken identity.
Court records show that Parker was convicted on multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The verdict was delivered on February 5 after a detailed trial process.
Authorities revealed that Parker was associated with the Bloods gang and had acted out of revenge linked to a prior gang-related shooting in 2017, in which his brother had been injured. On the day of the incident, Parker reportedly traveled to the area in a stolen sports car along with his brother, Rahmen Polen, and two other individuals, intending to retaliate against rival gang members.
Instead, an innocent man lost his life.
The weapon used in the shooting was identified as an MP-15 rifle. Prosecutors highlighted that the act was premeditated and driven by gang tensions, even though the victim had no confirmed involvement in the conflict.
The sentencing was carried out under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, which means Parker must serve at least 85 percent of his 40-year sentence before becoming eligible for parole. This significantly limits the possibility of early release and reflects the severity of the crime under state law.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutors Brian Pollak and Christian Marin, and the trial was overseen by Superior Court Judge Christopher S. Romanyshyn. Officials emphasized that the sentence sends a strong message about the consequences of violent gang activity and the irreversible damage it causes to families and communities.
As of now, the defense team, represented by the state’s public defender office, has not issued any public response regarding the sentencing.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with gang violence and the devastating impact of actions driven by retaliation and false assumptions. Authorities continue to urge communities to cooperate with law enforcement efforts to prevent such incidents in the future.
Sources
Essex County Prosecutor’s Office
New Jersey Superior Court records
