LINDEN, NJ – Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Linden Police Chief David Hart today announced the sentencing of two East Orange men for their roles in a shooting at the Menga Lounge in Linden on August 6, 2022.
Najir Paige, 29, and Sharif Evans, 26, received their sentences from Judge Thomas Isenhour on December 8. Paige was handed a 10-year term in New Jersey State Prison for second-degree aggravated assault, with a mandatory 85% of the sentence to be served, and an additional five-year term for second-degree certain persons not to possess a firearm, to be served in full. Evans received a three-year probation sentence and was credited for 452 days spent in jail. His charges included third-degree hindering apprehension for aiding Paige’s escape and concealing the vehicle involved in the crime.
Assistant Prosecutor Nicole Siano, who led the prosecution, detailed the events of the early morning hours of August 6, 2022. Following a dispute inside the Menga Lounge, Paige, armed with a handgun from Evans’ vehicle, fired multiple shots into the crowded establishment. Linden Police, responding to the incident, found two individuals with serious but non-fatal gunshot wounds and a third victim also injured.
Prosecutor Daniel commended the collaborative efforts of Linden Detective Nicole Andrews, Union County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Katelyn Prata, and Assistant Prosecutor Nicole Siano. Their combined diligence was pivotal in building a robust case against the perpetrators, ultimately securing justice for the victims of this violent act.