EX NEWARK POLICE OFFICER SENTENCED TO 27 YEARS FOR 2019 SHOOTING INCIDENT

In a packed Essex County courtroom, Superior Court Judge Michael L. Ravin sentenced suspended Newark Police Officer Jovany Crespo to 27 years in prison for his role in a 2019 incident that left one man dead and another severely injured. Crespo, 31, was convicted of aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault, and official misconduct.

On January 28, 2019, Crespo shot Gregory Griffin, 46, and Andrew J. Dixon, 35, as Griffin fled a traffic stop initiated by another Newark officer. Crespo fired at the fleeing vehicle multiple times, resulting in Griffin's death and Dixon's severe injuries.

During Crespo's ten-week trial, Assistant Prosecutor Alexander Albu argued that Crespo's actions were deliberate and unjustified, while Crespo's defense cited his inexperience and lack of supervision. Crespo and his mother both expressed remorse during the sentencing.

Judge Ravin sentenced Crespo to 20 years for aggravated manslaughter and 7 years for aggravated assault, to be served consecutively, with Crespo required to serve 22 years before parole eligibility. The sentencing marked the end of a lengthy and emotional legal process.