ELIZABETH — A Newark man has been found guilty of fatally shooting an Elizabeth woman a little more than three years ago, acting Union County Prosecutor Grace Park announced today.
Following a weeklong trial and about five hours of deliberation, a Union County jury convicted Eduardo Lago, formerly of Elizabeth, of murder and two weapons offenses in connection with the death of 35-year-old Yesinia Feliciano.
On the morning of Nov. 14, 2010, Lago rang the doorbell of the Erie Street home of Gloria Francisco, the victim’s sister, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Albert Cernadas Jr., who prosecuted the case.
Lago was looking for Francisco’s son that morning, Cernadas said – he and Lago were friends who had recently quarreled when the former decided to switch gang affiliations.
Both Francisco and Feliciano answered the door to find Lago outside. Lago pulled out a gun and fired, fatally striking Yesinia Feliciano in the chest, and he later explained to two friends that “one of them had to go,” Cernadas said.
Feliciano left behind four children, and a joint investigation by the Union County Homicide Task Force and the Elizabeth Police Department later identified Lago as a suspect.
Sentencing in the case is scheduled for Feb. 21, when Lago will face 30 years to life in state prison.