Three Men Convicted in 2018 New Jersey Murder

A Cumberland County jury has convicted Eugene Cosby, Will El-Bey, and Clifton Bailey of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Joseph Jones, a youth football coach, outside Lakeside Middle School in Millville on August 9, 2018. The men shot Jones ten times in the parking lot while children were present, leading to widespread community outrage. Following the shooting, the trio fled and also fired at police during their escape, with prosecutors detailing their attempts to obstruct the investigation by disposing of vehicles and soliciting false statements. Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae emphasized the shocking nature of the crime occurring in broad daylight. The men face life sentences with a mandatory parole ineligibility of 85%, and will be sentenced on January 10, 2024. This case highlights ongoing issues of gun violence in public spaces, particularly involving youth activities.