A New Jersey jury has found 34-year-old Marcus Wright of Newark guilty of first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Wisguen Marc in Orange, NJ, back in 2020. The decision, reached on May 28, 2025, in Essex County Superior Court, underscores the strict self-defense laws in the state—particularly the legal duty to retreat when facing a threat.
According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Wright and Marc were involved in a verbal altercation on November 20, 2020. During the encounter, Wright pulled out a firearm and shot Marc once in the back as he was walking away. Surveillance video and witness statements played a crucial role in building the case against Wright.
Marc died instantly from the gunshot wound, and Wright fled the scene. Authorities launched an investigation that led to his arrest shortly afterward. During the trial, Wright’s defense team claimed he feared for his safety and acted in self-defense. But prosecutors pointed out that Marc was unarmed and turning away when he was shot—eliminating the legal justification for using deadly force.
New Jersey’s Self-Defense Law: Duty to Retreat
New Jersey has one of the strictest approaches to self-defense in the United States. Unlike states that follow “Stand Your Ground” laws, New Jersey imposes a legal duty to retreat before using deadly force, as long as retreat is possible without risk of serious injury.
“This case is a tragic reminder that deadly force cannot be used when there is an opportunity to walk away,” said Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens. “New Jersey law is very clear about the duty to retreat.”
Under New Jersey Statutes (Title 2C), deadly force can only be used if the person:
- Reasonably believes it is immediately necessary to protect against death or serious bodily harm,
- Uses force that is proportional to the threat,
- Has no safe option to retreat, and
- Is not the initial aggressor in the confrontation.
In Wright’s case, the court found that none of these conditions were met. Marc was unarmed, moving away, and posed no immediate threat at the time of the shooting.
The jury’s decision shows how seriously New Jersey takes the requirement to de-escalate violent situations. Residents are expected to avoid confrontation when possible—even if they feel threatened.
You can read the full model jury instructions for self-defense on the official New Jersey Courts website:
https://www.njcourts.gov/sites/default/files/charges/justif001.pdf
Jury’s Verdict Based on Video, Testimony, and Law
Jurors reviewed surveillance footage that clearly showed Marc was shot in the back, suggesting he was no longer involved in any threat. Forensic analysis supported this, and expert testimony confirmed the trajectory of the bullet.
Law enforcement officers who arrived at the scene also testified that no weapon was found on or near Marc, and that there were no indications of immediate danger to Wright at the time of the shooting.
Legal experts noted that this case sends a strong message to the public: claiming self-defense is not a free pass to use deadly force. A person must meet every condition of the law—especially the requirement to walk away if it’s safe to do so.
The defense tried to argue that Wright’s fear justified his reaction. But prosecutors countered that fear alone is not a legal justification when no actual threat remains. The jury ultimately agreed, handing down a conviction that may shape how future self-defense cases are prosecuted in the state.
How NJ Law Differs from “Stand Your Ground” States
In at least 28 other U.S. states, Stand Your Ground laws allow individuals to use deadly force without first attempting to retreat, as long as they reasonably perceive a threat. In these states, the focus is on the individual’s perception of danger, not on whether escape was possible.
New Jersey, by contrast, emphasizes de-escalation. If there’s a chance to avoid deadly force, the law requires it. This philosophy aims to reduce unnecessary violence and protect lives—even during tense confrontations.
The New Jersey State Police also maintain detailed guidelines on firearm ownership, legal use of force, and self-defense responsibilities. To understand your rights and duties as a gun owner, visit:
https://www.njsp.org/firearms/
A Clear Message for Gun Owners and Residents
The Wright case is now a cautionary example of what can happen when someone misinterprets or ignores the limits of self-defense law in New Jersey. While many residents choose to own firearms for personal protection, they must also understand that the law does not permit shooting someone who is retreating or unarmed.
Even if you believe you are in danger, the law requires that you retreat if it’s safe. Failure to do so—especially in public or when there’s video evidence—can lead to murder charges, as seen in this case.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office welcomed the jury’s decision, calling it “a just outcom