A Union County jury has returned a guilty verdict against two men in the shooting of two individuals in Plainfield in 2021, which resulted in the death of one of the victims, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Plainfield Police Director James Abney announced today.
Jahaad Ingram, 23 and Zaire Wallace, 30 both of Plainfield, were found guilty on Tuesday of first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose following a two-week trial before Union County Superior Court Judge John Deitch. The jury deliberated for 3 days before returning its verdict.
At approximately 1:55 p.m. on Friday, July 9, 2021, members of the Plainfield Police Department responded to a 9-1-1 call of shots-fired. Upon arriving at the intersection of Rock Avenue and West Front Street, they found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Jennifer Vorn, 24 of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second victim ultimately survived the gun shot injuries but was permanently paralyzed according to Assistant Prosecutors Christopher Desimone and Melissa Caparruva, who prosecuted the case.
Testimony offered at trial revealed that on the day of the crime, Ingram and Wallace followed the two victims in their vehicle, eventually stopping at a traffic light located at West Front Street and Rock Avenue in Plainfield. Both men got out of their black Buick SUV with handguns and fired at least sixteen rounds into the victim’s vehicle. At approximately 8 p.m. that same night, Wallace was stopped driving the black Buick. Ingram was found nearby at the Joanne Hollis apartment courtyard at the same time.
Prosecutor Daniel commends the steadfast efforts of the prosecution team, including Assistant Prosecutors Christopher Desimone and Melissa Caparruva, Sergeant Lamar Hartsfield, Detectives Sonia Rodriguez and Ryan Kirsh, as well as the members of Plainfield Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit, and Union County Police Department Ballistics Unit.
“I also want to thank all of the concerned citizens whose contributions were essential to the expeditious apprehension of Mr. Ingram and Mr. Wallace.” Prosecutor Daniel said. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s families and their loved ones.”
Sentencing has been tentatively scheduled for January 12, 2024 before Judge Deitch, at which time each defendant can face a sentence of up to life in state prison.