 Matthew Colon
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 Tashauna Hairston
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Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that a jury has convicted Matthew Colon, 24, and Tashauna Hairston, both of Newark on charges stemming from a fatal shooting that occurred in Newark in 2022.
Colon and Hairston were each found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, and two counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit murder. Colon was also convicted of second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun with a permit, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
The case was tried by Assistant Prosecutors Austin Edwards and Mattison Monteleone before the Honorable Michael Ravin, J.S.C.
The prosecutors proved that on May 19, 2022, Tashauna Hairston drove Matthew Colon to the 400 block of Mt. Prospect Avenue in Newark. Colon exited the vehicle along with two other masked individuals and shot Angel Vargas,18, and Saeed Jan,18, both of Newark multiple times, killing them both. Colon later fled New Jersey and was apprehended in Tampa, Florida with the assistance of federal authorities.
Assistant Prosecutor Austin Edwards said, “Angel and Saeed’s families have endured the unthinkable, and we hope they find some comfort and closure with this result.” Assistant Prosecutor Mattison Monteleone added, “This verdict makes it clear that anyone who participates in a homicide will be held accountable under the law, even if they are not the person who pulled the trigger”.
The assistant prosecutors also commend investigators from the ECPO, the Homicide Task Force, and the Newark Police Division for their dedication and tireless effort throughout this investigation.
Colon and Hairston are scheduled for sentencing on February 25, 2026. Each faces a potential sentence of 30 years to life in prison for each murder conviction.
The public is encouraged to report any information related to criminal activity by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. All calls will remain confidential.