By: Yuritza Arroyo
Union County authorities announced that three Elizabeth men were sentenced on May 19 for their roles in the shooting death of 30-year-old Eliezer Martinez, Jr. of Elizabeth that occurred in 2021.
According to officials, Isaiah Turner, 17, was sentenced to 15 years in State Prison for Aggravated Manslaughter, directing that he must serve at least 85% of that sentence before being eligible for parole.
Officials say Nasir Semmons, 20, was sentenced to 8 years in State Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault and also serve at least 85% of that sentence before being eligible for parole.
Kadir Epps, 19, was sentenced to 5 years in State Prison, during which he must serve at least 42 months of that sentence before being eligible for parole, for Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.
According to authorities, both Turner and Epps were earlier involuntarily transferred from the Chancery Division, Family Part, to the Law Division, Criminal Part, to be tried as adults.
Shortly before 1:30 am on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, Elizabeth Police Department patrol units responded to a shots-fired call and found Martinez and a second adult male shooting victim on the 400 block of Elizabeth Avenue, having sustained serious injury.
Authorities say Martinez was transported to Trinitas Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 2 a.m., while the second victim was taken to University Hospital in Newark for emergency treatment and released.
“While this sentencing does not bring Mr. Martinez back, we hope it comes as some small solace to his loved ones,” said Union County Prosecutor Daniel.
“I commend the dedicated efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Robert Grady, Sergeant Danika Ramos, and Detectives Brandon Lorenz and Ryan Kirsh, who worked tirelessly on this case.”