By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Atlantic County announced that on Thursday, May 15, Deshaun Howard, 24, of Somers Point, was sentenced by the Honorable Bernard E. DeLury, Jr., P.J.Cr, in accordance with his plea agreement after pleading guilty to second-degree Aggravated Arson on January 30
Judge DeLury sentenced him to three years in New Jersey State Prison, with an 85% period of parole ineligibility under the No Early Release Act. Following his release, he will be on parole for an additional three-year period, according to Atlantic County officials.
This case stems from a house fire on March 23, 2022, in Somers Point, ACPO officials say. Before 4:00 a.m., fire and police responded to the victims’ residence and found the back deck engulfed in flames and another part of the house on fire as well.
Atlantic County authorities stated that three people were home at the time, and all were able to successfully exit without injury.
An investigation led the police to charge Howard and another individual, Faith Tompkins, Atlantic County officials said.
Atlantic County officials say Tompkins’ matter is still pending resolution.
The victim spoke at the sentencing and told the court of the emotional and mental impact on the family, the fear they felt when they woke up to their house on fire with their children and pets inside, and how they never thought anyone would try to kill them, according to ACPO officials.