A New Jersey man will spend the rest of his life behind bars — for the second time — after being resentenced in a case that has stretched nearly a decade.
Authorities say Andre Higgs, 53, of Watchung, was sentenced to life in prison for the 2015 fatal shooting of his former girlfriend, Latrena May, 27, a teacher from East Orange.
Prosecutors say the killing happened on May 1, 2015, outside May’s home in East Orange.
According to officials, May tried to escape and flagged down a police officer for help — but before she could get away, Higgs allegedly opened fire, killing her.
An East Orange detective returned fire, striking Higgs in the legs. Authorities say Higgs then barricaded himself inside the home while the couple’s young daughter was asleep.
In December 2025, a jury found Higgs guilty of:
- First-degree murder
- Unlawful possession of a handgun
- Certain persons not allowed to have weapons
This marks his second conviction in the case. His original 2017 conviction was overturned in 2023 after the court ruled his defense should have had access to internal affairs records involving the responding detective.
Now, with the resentencing:
- Life sentence (75 years under NJ law)
- Must serve 85% before parole eligibility
- Additional 20 years for weapons charges
Prosecutors say while nothing can undo the loss, the sentence ensures Higgs will remain incarcerated for the rest of his life.
Officials hope the outcome brings some closure to the victim’s family after years of legal battles.