Two teens have received lengthy prison terms for their roles in a fatal shooting at a southern New Jersey apartment complex, while another defendant has pleaded guilty in the case.
Camden County Prosecutor Warren Faulk says 17-year-old Jevon Coleman Robinson of Edgewater Park received a 23-year sentence Friday, while 18-year-old Isaac Mimes of Willingboro got a 12-year term.
Robinson pleaded guilty in March to aggravated manslaughter and aggravated assault in the death of 20-year-old Lamar Ortiz, who was killed last July at the Autumn Ridge Apartments in Gloucester Township. Mimes had pleaded guilty to armed robbery.
Prosecutors said the two defendants and another man, 20-year-old Joshua Texidor of Westampton, wanted to rob Ortiz as part of a drug deal.
Robinson and Mimes contacted a friend who knew Ortiz, and the three drove with Texidor to Ortiz's apartment. Mimes said he knew Robinson, who was driving, had a concealed handgun.
When they arrived at the complex, Ortiz came to the vehicle's passenger window and talked with the group. But when they asked him to show them the marijuana they wanted to buy, he refused.
When the group insisted on seeing the marijuana, Ortiz walked away from the car. Robinson then drew his gun and pointed it at Ortiz, but the friend who knew Ortiz tried to grab the weapon.
Robinson admitted that he repeatedly hit the friend in the head with the gun, then shot and killed Ortiz.
Texidor pleaded guilty Friday to aggravated manslaughter and aggravated assault. He now faces up to 25 years in prison when he's sentenced later this year.
