By Nicolas Fernandes
nj.com
NEWARK, N.J. — Three men have been convicted in the brutal attack of another inmate at Essex County Jail that caused him to suffer a traumatic brain injury, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II said.
After a two-week trial, the jury returned a guilty verdict for Byad Lockett and Darryl Watson on charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, prosecutors said.
A third inmate, Isaad Jackson, was convicted of weapons offenses in the attack, officials said.
Authorities say Lockett and Watson beat a 22-year-old inmate with a microwave and other objects including a large beverage dispenser and broom.
Jackson used a mop bucket and beverage dispenser in the assault, officials said. He was also charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault, but was not convicted due to a hung jury, prosecutors said.
The beating occurred on September 23, 2021, in Building 3 of Essex County Jail. Seven inmates attacked the man in the common area, punching him in the face and stomping on his head, officials said. The three defendants then began assaulting him after he was unconscious, authorities said.
The assault lasted about two minutes and was captured on surveillance footage. Authorities did not comment on a motive for the attack.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 6. Watson is also scheduled to be sentenced for a murder conviction on June 27.
Lockett is currently serving a 12-year prison term for conspiracy to commit murder and Jackson has a pending homicide charge, the Prosecutor’s Office said.
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