Suspended Newark officer sentenced to 27 years in prison for 2019 shooting

Newark

By: Richard L. Smith

In a packed Essex County courtroom, Superior Court Judge Michael L. Ravin handed down a harsh sentence to suspended Newark police officer Jovany Crespo, finding him guilty of manslaughter, aggravated assault and abuse of office.

Crespo, 31, was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his actions in a 2019 incident in which he fired multiple shots at a fleeing vehicle, resulting in the death of one man and serious injuries to another.

On January 28, 2019, at approximately 11:20 p.m., Crespo shot and killed Gregory Griffin, 46, and Andrew J. Dixon, 35, both of Newark, after Griffin fled a traffic stop.

The first stop was made by a Newark police officer in the area of ​​Clinton Avenue and Thomas Street.

She stated that Griffin fled and that she saw a gun, which led to a chase involving several police cars.

Crespo, who was not the police officer who initiated the stop, shot at the fleeing vehicle in three different locations.

The vehicle eventually stopped near 54 Irvine Turner Boulevard, where Griffin and Dixon were found with gunshot wounds to the head. Griffin died the next day at University Hospital, while Dixon suffered serious injuries.

During the ten-week trial that ended on June 23, 2023, Crespo was found guilty by an Essex County jury.

After the verdict, he was taken into custody. On the day of the verdict, Crespo entered the courtroom handcuffed and wearing a green T-shirt.

Judge Ravin acknowledged that Crespo had already served over 300 days of his sentence prior to sentencing.

Assistant District Attorney Alexander Albu, who handled the case, argued that Crespo’s actions were intentional and not justified by his lack of experience. “He spent time at the academy and learned how to handle situations like this,” Albu said.

“This was not a split-second decision; Crespo shot at the vehicle in four separate incidents.” Albu called for a maximum sentence of 33 years with an 85 percent chance of parole.

“Contrary to the defendant’s claims, this was not a case of police policy,” Judge Ravin explained. “This was about a police officer who pursued and shot two fleeing suspects.”

During the sentencing hearing, which was attended by RLS Media, Crespo’s defense requested mitigation and argued that the sentence should be served concurrently for a total of 15 years.

They pointed to Crespo’s short tenure as a police officer – only a year and a half – and the absence of a supervisor in the car.

They also blamed the Newark police’s actions, claiming that Crespo and his partner were ill-prepared for such a risky situation.

In an emotional plea, Crespo’s mother asked the judge for mercy. “My son Jovany thought he did the right thing that night when he wanted to protect and serve,” she said. “I need my son, he is a good man. I ask for mercy for him, he is not a bad person.” She also apologized to the victims’ families.

Crespo himself addressed the court and expressed his regret. “I want to apologize for the incident – to my family, the victims and this court,” he said. “I honestly thought I was doing the right thing, Your Honor, and I apologize.”

After a brief recess, Judge Ravin announced the final sentence: 20 years for first-degree manslaughter and 7 years for second-degree aggravated assault, both to be served consecutively, with an 85 percent chance of parole.

Crespo must serve 22 years of the 27-year sentence before he can be released on parole.

The courtroom was filled with emotion on both sides, marking the end of a long and painful legal process dating back to that fateful night in January 2019.