Two Sentenced for 2020 East Orange Killing

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II announced that Anthony Hagans, 35, of Irvington, and Clarence Johnson, 38, of East Orange, were both sentenced to 30 years in prison for killing Shawn Watford back in April 2020. Shaquan Adams, 32, of Irvington, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with the same homicide.

Superior Court Judge Ronald D. Wigler sentenced Hagans, Johnson and Adams on Monday, July 22. Earlier this year as the trial was commencing, Hagans and Johnson pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated manslaughter and second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, while Adams pleaded guilty to first-degree conspiracy to commit murder. Hagans and Johnson admitted to shooting the victim, Shawn Watford, multiple times. Adams admitted to conspiring with his co-defendants in the plan to kill Mr. Watford, and specifically admitted to driving Johnson before, during and after the homicide.

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On Apr. 13, 2020, the defendants engaged in an hour-long stake out of the victim’s apartment until he left to go visit his mother. As the victim was walking down the street, Hagans followed him in his vehicle and opened fire, shooting the victim numerous times. The victim fell to the ground, and shortly thereafter, a second vehicle driven by Adams pulled up near the victim. Johnson got out of the second vehicle and fired a single gunshot into the victim’s head while standing over him.

“This was a planned, calculated execution carried out in broad daylight near the YMCA in East Orange,” said Assistant Prosecutor Austin Edwards, who handled the case. “While nothing will bring Shawn back to his family, I hope this sentence will provide them with some closure.”

This is Hagans’ fourth felony conviction, having previously been convicted for drug distribution, unlawful possession of a weapon, and aggravated assault. This is Johnson’s fourth felony conviction, having previously been convicted of two armed robberies and drug distribution. This was Adams’ second felony conviction, having previously been convicted of unlawful possession of a weapon.

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