Newark -- Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today that Joan Aguirre, 23, of Newark, plead guilty to aggravated manslaughter and unlawful possession of a weapon in connection with the Feb. 1, 2017 murder of Victor Brantley, 26, of Newark.
In exchange for his guilty plea, the state agreed to recommend a 24-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison, according to Assistant Essex Prosecutor Carlo Fioranelli, who handled the case. Under the terms of the No Early Release Act, Aguirre is required to serve 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.
“No amount of time can fully restore the family in this tragic situation. I hope the outcome of this case gives them a sense of closure,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Fioranelli.
The shooting occurred in the 100 block of 4th Avenue in Newark at approximately 4:40 pm on Feb. 1, 2017. The defendant discharged multiple shots, shooting Brantley and a bystander in the leg. The other victim survived. Brantley died from his wounds.
Police apprehended Aguirre hiding in a dumpster in the general area of the shooting.
Aguirre has a prior conviction for third-degree theft for which he was sentenced to two years of probation on Oct. 3, 2014.
Sentencing for the aggravated manslaughter is scheduled for Jan. 28, 2019 before Judge Verna G. Leath.