State of New Jersey v. Eric Hampton Manning

Newark, New Jersey, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Eric Hampton Manning, 30, of Newark, was convicted in the fatal shooting of Sharique Ray Young 28, of Newark on March 8, 2022.

Surveillance video showed Manning approaching Young’s parked vehicle on Huntington Avenue at approximately 8 p.m., holding a firearm behind his back. Young was seated in the driver’s seat speaking with a friend who was standing outside the open driver’s-side window. Another friend was seated in the passenger seat. Manning pushed the friend away from the window and opened fire, striking Young four times. No one else was injured in the shooting. Manning then ran to the end of the block which becomes Schuyler Avenue, where he was seen entering a getaway vehicle eight minutes after the shooting.

Manning was arrested November 4, 2022, as he awaited sentencing on an unrelated matter.

Assistant Prosecutor Dorian Belfiore, who was part of the trial team, said “This outcome reflects the hard work, diligence, and commitment to justice demonstrated by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. We hope this result brings some measure of comfort and closure to the victim’s family.”

The prosecutors also thank investigators from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Newark Police Division for their assistance in this investigation.

Manning faces a minimum of 30 years to life in prison.