A Hudson County jury convicted a North Bergen man of murder in the 2024 shooting death of a 21-year-old Hoboken resident outside a Marshall Drive building.
A North Bergen man has been found guilty on all charges in connection with a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a 21-year-old Hoboken man last year, Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello announced.
Albert Morales, 35, was convicted Tuesday of murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon following a jury trial before Superior Court Judge Mitzy Galis-Menendez.
Jury convicts defendant on all counts
The verdict was returned on June 16 after jurors heard evidence related to the April 2024 killing of Damon Murray.
Morales was found guilty of murder, as well as two firearms-related offenses stemming from the shooting.
“On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a Hudson County jury found a North Bergen man guilty on all charges relating to the 2024 shooting death of Damon Murray in Hoboken,” Prosecutor Mello said.
The case was prosecuted by Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Ed Bilinkas.
Victim shot outside Marshall Drive building
The shooting occurred shortly after 11:30 p.m. on April 28, 2024, in the area of 320 Marshall Drive in Hoboken.
According to authorities, Hoboken police officers responded after receiving reports of shots fired and discovered a crime scene outside the building.
“Responding officers located a crime scene outside the building,” prosecutors said.
The victim, later identified as Damon Murray, 21, of Hoboken, was transported by private vehicle to Jersey City Medical Center with a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
Victim died at hospital
Despite emergency medical treatment, Murray succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Authorities said he was pronounced dead just after midnight on April 29.
The conviction marks the conclusion of the criminal trial, though sentencing has not yet been announced.
Sentencing pending
Murder is among the most serious offenses under New Jersey law and carries the possibility of a lengthy state prison sentence.
Additional details regarding Morales’ sentencing date were not immediately released.
Key Points
• Albert Morales, 35, of North Bergen was convicted of murder and weapons offenses in the 2024 death of Damon Murray.
• Murray, 21, was shot outside a building on Marshall Drive in Hoboken and later died at Jersey City Medical Center.
• The guilty verdict was returned by a Hudson County jury following a trial in Superior Court.