By: Richard L. Smith
A Secaucus man has been sentenced to two decades in state prison for his role in a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a North Bergen resident in 2024.
According to a statement released by Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello, 26-year-old James Baker was sentenced on Friday, March 27, 2026, by the Honorable Angelo Servidio to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison.
The sentence falls under the No Early Release Act, requiring Baker to serve at least 85% of his term before becoming eligible for parole.
Baker previously pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated manslaughter in connection with the August 2024 killing.
Authorities said the incident occurred shortly after 9 a.m. on August 5, 2024, when police in North Bergen responded to reports of an injured man near Meadowview Avenue and 61st Street.
Upon arrival, officers found the victim, later identified as 31-year-old Juan Ortiz of North Bergen, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Ortiz was transported to Palisades Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 9:40 a.m.
The case was prosecuted by Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Kevin Roe. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
The sentencing brings closure to a case that has remained under investigation since the fatal incident nearly two years ago.