In the Bradley Court Housing Complex in Newark, New Jersey, a dispute between friends culminated in the tragic death of 45-year-old Keni Johnson. On the morning of February 11, 2023, Johnson was gunned down in a hallway on the 100 block of North Munn Avenue. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the incident. The cause of his death was a fatal gunshot wound to the back of his neck.
Remembered as a devoted father and loving grandfather, Johnson was a longtime resident of the
Bradley Court community, where he was known for his kind and helpful nature. He was said to have treated everyone in his community like family, always ready to lend a hand, especially to the elderly and children. Prior to his death, Johnson worked as a sanitation worker for Regional Industries and had even started his own clothing line called 'Sanitation Blues'. He was known as a joyful person who loved to make people laugh, listen to music, and dance.
Following an argument with Johnson inside the housing complex, William Whitfield, 46, also of Newark, went to his apartment, retrieved a handgun, and returned to confront his friend. This escalation of their dispute led to the fatal shooting. Whitfield and Johnson were described as friends, making the sudden violence all the more shocking to the community.
After a two-week trial, an Essex County jury convicted William Whitfield of first-degree murder and related weapons charges. The jury deliberated for three days before reaching their verdict. Whitfield faces a sentence of 30 years to life in state prison for the killing of his friend. His sentencing is scheduled for January 24, 2025.
