Tyrone Cradle
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II announced today that Tyrone Cradle, 29, of Newark, has been sentenced to 60 years in New Jersey State Prison for the murder of his stepfather, Rasool Crews. The Honorable Naazneen B. Khan, J.S.C. presided over both the trial and the sentencing.
On August 26, 2025, Cradle was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder and various weapons offenses in connection with the shooting death of Mr. Crews.
Prosecutors proved that on the evening of May 19, 2023, Cradle shot Crews, 48, multiple times as Crews and his daughter were exiting a vehicle outside of their home in Newark. Surveillance video showed Cradle emerging from the side of the house moments before the shooting then fleeing the scene after the crime. Cradle was identified and charged four days after the shooting.
Assistant Prosecutor Daniel Nicholas, who tried the case along with Assistant Prosecutor Brianna Sandroni said, “The Court’s imposition of a 60-year prison term is an acknowledgement of the cold and calculated manner in which this murder was committed.”
Assistant Prosecutor Sandroni added, “We believe that with this sentence, justice was served. We are hopeful that Rasool Crews’ family and loved ones can begin moving forward toward healing knowing that the defendant is being held accountable for his actions.”
Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, Cradle must serve 85 percent of the 60-year sentence before he is eligible for parole.
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.
