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Watchung Man Gets Life in Prison for Killing of East Orange Teacher

East Orange Watchung

A 45-year-old man was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday for the killing of his former girlfriend.

In June, Andre Higgs, 45, of Watchung, was convicted of the murder of Latrena May, a teacher at Pride Academy Charter School.

Wednesday, Superior Court Judge Ronald D. Wigler sentenced Higgs to life in prison for the murder, plus ten years for possessing a weapon. Higgs will not be eligible for parole for 68 years, officials added.

According to authorities, on May 1, 2015, East Orange Police officer, Det. Kemon Lee was driving past May's two-family home and saw her flagging him down. However, Higgs shot her three times as she went down the steps towards the officer.

The officer ultimately shot Higgs four times, wounding him.

The couple's daughter was inside the East Orange home at the time of the shooting, officials added.

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