In the summer of 2014, a young man's life was tragically cut short on the streets of Newark, New Jersey. Jawaun Bernabela, a 19-year-old male, was fatally shot on July 21, 2014, in an incident that authorities would later describe as a robbery gone wrong. The events leading to his death began when he was picked up by Soulton Anthony and some friends.
The group drove to Schuyler Avenue, where Anthony intended to collect money that was owed to him.
After Anthony and Bernabela returned to the vehicle from a residence, a confrontation erupted. During the course of what was revealed to be a planned robbery of Bernabela, a struggle ensued, and he was shot in the head. Anthony had reportedly informed the other individuals in the car of his intention to rob Bernabela.
In the aftermath of the fatal shooting, an investigation led to the arrest of Soulton Anthony. Anthony, who was 21 at the time of the sentencing, eventually pleaded guilty to charges of reckless manslaughter and unlawful possession of a weapon. He admitted to being under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident and also acknowledged his affiliation with a street gang.
As a result of a plea agreement, Soulton Anthony was sentenced to seven years in state prison for his role in the death of Jawaun Bernabela. The terms of his sentence required him to serve nearly six years before becoming eligible for parole. He was given credit for the year he had already served in custody.
