By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Gloucester County announced that a jury found Sykia Harper-Brown guilty of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and third-degree terroristic threats.
She faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison on each of the weapons charges and a maximum of five years for the terroristic threats charge, Gloucester County officials stated.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in open court:
Gloucester County officials say Harper-Brown traveled from Pennsylvania to Monroe Township on Nov. 4, 2023, armed with a 9mm handgun and a baseball bat. Prior to the incident, she exchanged heated text and Facebook messages with the victim, her sister-in-law, including threats.
Harper-Brown went to the victim’s residence, banged on the door, and demanded that the victim come to the door. While the victim’s fiancé called 911, Harper-Brown retreated to her vehicle and fired the handgun into the air from the sidewalk, according to Gloucester County officials.
Gloucester County officials said officers later located a shell casing in the area.
The defendant’s release was revoked following the verdict, and sentencing was scheduled for Feb. 27, 2026, Gloucester County authorities say.
“This verdict affirms that threats and intimidation that place others in fear will be met with serious consequences,” Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns said.