Man Convicted in Deadly Newark Social Club Shooting

A New Jersey man who was on the run for nine years after allegedly shooting another man at a Newark social club has been convicted on murder and weapons charges.

Essex County prosecutors say 35-year-old Edelbarto Padilla of Highland Park faces life in prison when he's sentenced June 12.

Jurors deliberated for a day before returning their verdict Tuesday Padilla was accused in the October 2002 slaying of 27-year-old Carlos Freitas of Newark. Prosecutors say Padilla shot Freitas three times after they argued inside the club. Charges were filed against Padilla two weeks later, but he remained free until he was caught last year in New Brunswick.

It was the second time Padilla had stood trial in the case. His first trial earlier this year ended with a hung jury.

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