Godinez, 26, is one of six charged in the 2007 triple slaying -- More coverage: Lone survivor graduates from college
Rodolfo Godinez, right, and his attorney, Roy Greenman stand today as the jury returns to the courtroom with a verdict in his trial at the Essex County Courthouse in Newark. Godinez was convicted in the murder of three young people in a Newark schoolyard.
NEWARK — Rodolfo Godinez was convicted today in the killing of three college students in the high-profile schoolyard slayings nearly three years ago.
The jurors announced they had reached a verdict shortly after 10 a.m. The eight women and four men reconvened today after roughly three hours of deliberations Thursday.
Shalga Hightower, mother of victim Iofemi Hightower, spoke today about the verdict outside the courthouse while holding a 2005 prom photo of her daughter.
"Justice is done for my angel and her friends," Hightower said. "It doesn't take away the pain, but justice was served."
Shalga Hightower said she planned to attend the trials of the other defendants. "That's one down, five more to go," she said.
| Mother of Iofemi Hightower reacts to Godinez verdict |
Three college-bound students were lined up against a wall and shot in the head that night. Iofemi Hightower and Dashon Harvey, both 20, and Terrance Aeriel, 18, all died. Terrance's sister, Natasha Aeriel, then 19, was shot but survived.
Godinez, 26, is one of six defendants charged in connection with the Aug. 4, 2007, triple killing. He was convicted on all 17 counts including murder, felony murder, attempted murder, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and weapons charges related to possession of a machete and a handgun.
His sentencing is scheduled for July 8.
• Newark schoolyard slayings lone survivor graduates from college
"There's no doubt about it: when this jury comes out...this is going to be one very tense room," Ravin said. "No matter what the verdict is...all must retain their composure."
Joan Harvey, Dashon's aunt, said she had a difficult time complying with the order as the jury foreman said "guilty" to 17 counts.
"That was hard," Harvey said. "I got a headache from keeping it all in."
During the four-week trial, Essex County assistant prosecutors Thomas McTigue and Romesh Sukhdeo called 26 witnesses to the stand, including Natasha Aeriel, now 22. More than 400 pieces of evidence were introduced during 11 days of testimony.
Roy Greenman, Godinez's attorney, had argued that his client was a helpless witness to the killings and played no active role. Greenman said he was disappointed in the verdict.
"(Godinez) is aware that an appeal will be filed on his behalf," Greenman said.
James Harvey, the father of victim Dashon Harvey, wiped tears from his eyes with a white handkerchief as the jury foreman read the guilty verdict.
He called the verdict "a truly jubilant occasion," and felt "truly blessed" after hearing the verdict.
"Now my head is on cloud nine," James Harvey said. "It was hard for us to see (Godinez) everyday coming into court with a smirk on his face. But we have the last laugh."
Previous coverage:
• Newark schoolyard slayings lone survivor graduates from college
• Prosecutor delivers closing statement in Newark schoolyard slayings trial
• Experts in Newark schoolyard slayings trial say MS-13 gang has a 'history of violence'
• Expert testifies MS-13 gang known to have machetes like one used in Newark schoolyard killings
• Defendant in Newark schoolyard slayings offered to provide brother's location to detective
• Newark schoolyard slayings suspect concerned about mother's safety after his arrest
• Scent-tracking dog in Newark schoolyard shootings case led police to defendant's home
• DNA links suspect to Newark schoolyard slayings scene
• The Newark schoolyard killings
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