A former New Jersey police officer has been sentenced to a total of 27 years in prison for his involvement in a fatal shooting during a high-speed car chase that took place in Newark over five years ago. The sentencing was handed down by Superior Court Judge Michael Ravin, who emphasized the need to deter officers from adopting a 'shoot-first, ask-questions-later' mentality.
The former Newark officer, identified as Jovanny Crespo, received a 20-year sentence for aggravated manslaughter and an additional seven years for aggravated assault related to the incident that occurred in January 2019. These sentences will run consecutively, with an additional six-year term for official misconduct to be served concurrently.
During the sentencing, Crespo was informed that he would not be eligible for parole for nearly 23 years, prompting emotional reactions from both the defendant and his family members present in the courtroom. Crespo's mother and sister made pleas for leniency before the judge, and the defendant himself offered a brief apology to the families of the victims.
Video evidence from dashboard and police body cameras revealed Crespo firing his weapon three times during the pursuit, which ultimately resulted in the death of 46-year-old driver Gregory Griffin and left his passenger critically wounded. Prosecutors highlighted that the use of deadly force by law enforcement is only justified when there is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm.
While Crespo's defense attorney argued for leniency based on the officer's limited experience and alleged inadequate training, prosecutors countered by stating that Crespo had undergone extensive training at the police academy, including instruction on the appropriate use of deadly force. Judge Ravin concurred with the prosecution, condemning the actions of the defendant as an 'abhorrent abuse of police power' during the five-minute chase through Newark.
