New Brunswick Man Convicted of Murder in 2004 Shooting

A New Brunswick man has been convicted of murder stemming from a 2004 incident in which he shot another man dead on George Street.

According to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, Brian Fowlkes, 34, was found guilty on Aug. 20 by a jury in New Brunswick of murder, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes.

According to the Prosecutor's Office, Fowlkes shot and killed Hassan Bass, 24, on May 22, 2004 in front of a restaurant at the intersection of George and Hassart Streets in New Brunswick.

The shooting stemmed from a dispute the two had while they were both serving custodial terms for unrelated aggravated assault convictions at the Garden State Youth Correctional Facility in Yardville, according to the Prosecutor's Office.

Fowlkes was previously convicted of murder and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in August 2005, but was granted a new trial in Jan. 2012, according to the Prosecutor's Office.

Under New Jersey law, Fowlkes faces 30 years to life in prison. He is to be sentenced on Sept. 24 in New Brunswick by Superior Court Judge Bradley Ferencz.