NJ Man Sentenced to 12½ Years for Attempted Murder Shooting

Atlantic City An Atlantic City man who admitted to shooting two people in 2024 has been sentenced to 12½ years in New Jersey State Prison, according to information released by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office. Eric Melton, 32, was sentenced on June 1 after pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree attempted murder, second-degree possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, and third-degree hindering his own apprehension.

Under the terms of his plea agreement, Melton must serve 85 percent of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole under New Jersey's No Early Release Act and the Graves Act. He will also be subject to five years of parole supervision upon his release.

According to prosecutors, the shooting occurred on October 12, 2024, at approximately 7:09 p.m., when Atlantic City Police responded to an apartment complex and found two men suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and conducted witness interviews, which identified Melton as the suspect.

Authorities said video from multiple locations showed Melton following the victims on foot for several blocks before pulling out a handgun and firing approximately seven shots at them in the courtyard area of the complex.