Crime & Justice
Rodolfo Godinez guilty in Newark schoolyard killings
Rodolfo Godinez, a Nicaraguan was convicted on all 17 counts including murder, felony murder, attempted murder, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and weapons charges related to possession of a machete and a handgun.
Rodolfo Godinez, the first defendant to be charged in the triple schoolyard slayings, in Newark, N.J. was convicted today.
Rodolfo Godinez guilty
A Nicaraguan, Godinez was convicted on all 17 counts including murder, felony murder, attempted murder, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and weapons charges related to possession of a machete and a handgun.
The jurors had reached their verdict at 10:00am Monday after three hours of deliberation on Thursday.
The shooting deaths caused national outrage and a wave of anti-violence measures in the city.
The three students were lined up against a wall in a schoolyard and shot execution style that night.
Victims
Iofemi Hightower and Dashon Harvey, both 20, and Terrance Aeriel, 18, all died. Terrance’s sister, Natasha Aeriel, then 19, was shot but survived.
Iofemi Hightower’s mother told the New Jersey Star Ledger that justice was served today.
“Justice is done for my angel and her friends,” Hightower said. “It doesn’t take away the pain, but justice was served.”
Shalga Hightower said she planned to attend the trials of the other defendants. “That’s one down, five more to go,” she said.
All four victims were enrolled or about to be enrolled at Delaware State University.
Godinez, 26, is one of six defendants charged in connection with the Aug. 4, 2007, triple killing.
His sentencing is scheduled for July 8.
Real stories. Real impact. Straight to your inbox. Join thousands others. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter today!
Follow us on Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram
Memphis man sues city, police over photo taken of his deceased mother
Asbury Park High School: History Seminar
New Jersey police reach $4 million settlement with children of woman killed by ex-husband, a former police officer
Druski new parody mocking conservative women sparks debate
Detroit man convicted of sexually assaulting, killing teen found dead in prison 2 weeks after sentencing
Kendrick Johnson’s parents file $10B lawsuit against federal judges
GoFundMe launched after Alabama mother is fatally shot by husband hours after giving birth
Shaquille O’Neal pays for funeral costs for 12‑year‑old Jada West, Georgia officials say
Family demands justice after Baltimore County man dies after being punched by police officer in violent encounter
12‑year‑old Georgia girl dies after fight outside school bus, family says she was bullied
OWN greenlights first-ever ‘Belle Collective’ spinoff Belle Collective: Birmingham
Hazel Scott’s legacy returns to Harlem in free outdoor film screening
Olympic Gymnast Frederick Richard sets world record, raises $50K for Ugandan youth
Renee Ferguson, trailblazing investigative journalist, dies at 75
“AfroPoP Digital Shorts” returns to the land with “Sweet Samara,” climate and abolitionist film
-
Community2 weeks agoShaquille O’Neal pays for funeral costs for 12‑year‑old Jada West, Georgia officials say
-
Education1 week agoAsbury Park High School: Crossover event esports and history with Tina Watson
-
Social Justice2 days agoNew Jersey police reach $4 million settlement with children of woman killed by ex-husband, a former police officer
-
Social Justice4 days agoJury awards California woman $15 million after supervisor called her n-word
-
Culture2 weeks agoWu‑Tang Clan concert film to screen at The Pinhook as part of Wu‑Tang Wednesday Series
-
Social Justice6 days agoFamily pleads for Trump’s help bringing severely ill son home from Chinese prison
-
Crime & Justice3 days agoDetroit man convicted of sexually assaulting, killing teen found dead in prison 2 weeks after sentencing
-
Culture2 days agoDruski new parody mocking conservative women sparks debate
-
Social Justice1 week agoDOJ moves to dismiss criminal case against ex-officers charged for role in Breonna Taylor’s death
-
In Memoriam1 week agoIn Memoriam: Beloved Showtime at the Apollo co-host Kiki Shepard