A Newark man was convicted of aggravated assault and conspiracy after prosecutors said he helped initiate a confrontation that ended with a 20-year-old West Orange man being fatally shot outside a deli.
An Essex County jury has convicted a Newark man on assault-related charges in connection with a 2022 fatal shooting in West Orange, while acquitting him of murder.
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced that Kocou Anani, 26, was found guilty on June 4 of second-degree aggravated assault and second-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated assault following a trial before Superior Court Judge Kevin Barry.
Fight outside deli turned deadly
According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on Sept. 27, 2022, outside a deli on Watson Avenue in West Orange.
The State alleged that Anani and four co-conspirators were waiting outside the store when 20-year-old Corington Valentin exited the business.
“The defendant initiated a physical altercation with Valentin,” prosecutors said.
Authorities said the confrontation quickly escalated when the other men joined the fight.
Victim shot during confrontation
During the altercation, one of the co-conspirators allegedly shot Valentin twice in the back.
The victim was transported to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
Prosecutors also told jurors that Valentin fired a weapon during the encounter and struck Anani.
“During the altercation, Valentin also fired a weapon, striking and wounding the defendant,” the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said.
Jury rejects murder charge
After six days of deliberations, the jury convicted Anani of aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit aggravated assault but acquitted him of first-degree murder.
Assistant Prosecutors Brianna Sandroni and Jason Alterbaum prosecuted the case.
“This outcome reflects our office’s continued commitment to seeking justice for victims and their loved ones,” Sandroni said. “We hope this verdict brings some measure of closure to the victim’s family.”
Sentencing scheduled next month
Anani is scheduled to be sentenced on July 20.
According to prosecutors, he faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office credited investigators for their work throughout the lengthy homicide investigation.
Key Points
• Newark resident Kocou Anani, 26, was convicted of aggravated assault and conspiracy in connection with a fatal 2022 shooting in West Orange.
• Prosecutors said Anani initiated a fight outside a Watson Avenue deli before Corington Valentin was shot and killed.
• A jury acquitted Anani of murder after six days of deliberations. He faces up to 10 years in prison at sentencing.