Essex County Gang Members Slay One Of Their Own

By ERIC.KIEFER (Patch Staff)

Two Bloods members entered guilty pleas for their roles in the death of a fellow member during a street gang disciplining in 2011.

On Monday, Quyri Patrick, 26, and Kourtney Chavis, 29, both of East Orange, pleaded guilty to second degree conspiracy and second degree reckless manslaughter in connection with the death of Kelry Pierrejules, 23, of Orange.

The victim and the defendants were all members of the Elm Street Piru set of the Bloods street gang, authorities stated.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Pierrejules was assaulted on the 100 block of Cleveland Street in Orange. During the assault he hit his head on a brick wall and died a short time later at University Hospital in Newark from his injuries.

Patrick, a ranking member of the gang, ordered the punishment. Chavis was one of three members to have participated in the actual assault on the victim, pursuant to Patrick’s orders.

Patrick and Chavis were previously indicted for aggravated manslaughter.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Patrick is expected to be sentenced to seven years and Chavis to six years. They must serve 85 percent of their sentence before they are eligible for parole.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 27.