Story by Ethan
Newark resident, Ryan Mwangi, 31, was convicted by an Essex County jury for the murder of Kenneth Thomas, 31, by fatal shooting. Mr. Thomas was shot eight times while sitting in his car on Renner Avenue, Newark, on May 13th, 2019. Following the shooting, Thomas was pronounced dead on the scene. Mwangi proceeded to flee after the shooting with a stolen BMW, which led to the charging and apprehension of Mwangi.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office announced that on January 26th, 2024, Mwangi was found guilty by jury of first degree Murder, second degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and second degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. Mwangi was sentenced before Judge Patrick Arre, on March 22nd, 2024, where he was given the sentence of 30 years to life in prison.
Essex County Assistant Prosecutor Jacqueline Bilinkas mentions, “The jury’s verdict has brought justice to Kenneth Thomas and his family… Finding him guilty and holding him responsible for his actions will hopefully deter others from committing senseless acts of violence.”
Mwangi also has two other open cases in Essex County for attempted murder, weapon offenses, and simple assault. In addition to his open cases, Mwangi has prior felony convictions for aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a firearm.
