A Newark man was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Monday for strangling a woman to death in 2012, officials announced.
Joseph Melillo, 46, of Newark, was sentenced to 25 years in state prison for killing Diggins, 58, also of Newark.
Melillo must serve slightly more than 21 years before becoming eligible for parole. However, he will receive credit for more than two years of time served.
On November 23, 2012, Newark police found Diggins's body in the river near the 900 block of Route 21.
Melillo and Diggins, who were both homeless at the time of the attack, had been staying in the area near the river.
Autopsy result later determined that the primary cause of death was strangulation. However, result also revealed victim had also sustained stab wounds and blunt force trauma to her head.
Melillo who plead guilty on June 10 to an aggravated manslaugher charge. Prosecutors agreed to accept a plea deal with a recommended 25-year prison sentence.
During sentencing, Superior Court Judge Michael L. Ravin recommended that Melillo be placed in a psychiatric hospital so that he may receive the appropriate mental health treatment.
A psychological evaluation of Melillo determined that Melillo's "lack of psychiatric treatment played a factor in the killing.