Newark Man Sentenced to 75 Years for 2009 Murder, Assault

A Newark man was sentenced to 75 years in prison Monday for killing a Newark man and assaulting an Irvington man outside of a nightclub in 2009. 

Alquan White was convicted in the shooting death of 42-year-old Byron Lockett and the aggravated assault of Latiff McCleod, 36 outside Club Marlos on Lyons Avenue on Oct. 9, 2009. 

Following a 12-day trial before Superior Court Judge Michael L Ravin, an Essex County jury deliberated for 1½ days before convicting White. 

White was also convicted of possession of a weapon while being a convicted felon in a second trial. 

Lockett, who was hit in the torso, neck and eye, died from his injuries. McCleod was shot once but survived his injuries.

“As Byron lay on the ground unarmed, defenseless and dying, the defendant made a calculated and deliberate decision to go back over to him, point the gun directly at his head and fire at point blank range,’’ Assistant Prosecutor Lynne Borasio said.

She argued there was strong likelihood White would commit more crimes if he was not sentenced to life because of his long criminal record.

“Alquan White is far from a stranger to the criminal lifestyle,’’ Borasio said. “He began his criminal career at age 11 and escalated to the ultimate crime of murder.’’

White, who was 24 years old when the murder occurred, had been charged seven times as a juvenile — including charges he assaulted a teacher, arson and possession of illicit drugs charges. 

In addition, she noted, he has two restraining orders for domestic violence, 11 adult arrests and one adult felony conviction.

In response to defense claims White’s incarceration would be a hardship on his children, Borasio said, “He has not paid a dime in child support since 2007 for his two children. He is $42,939 in arrears on child support.’’

Borasio urged the judge to impose a life sentence, reminding him White threw a cup of water on jurors during the trial and threatened the judge. 

White also initially refused to come out of the holding cell for the sentencing today.