Oct. 29, 2014
Man Sentenced to 13 years for Causing Death of Two
Newark — Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that James Sterling, 30, also known as James Megget, of Elizabeth was sentenced to 13 years in New Jersey State Prison by the Honorable Ronald D. Wigler, presiding Essex County Criminal Court Judge, for causing the death of two people in a car crash.
On Nov. 19, 2012, while driving a Chrysler Pacifica SUV, Sterling hit an ambulance, setting off a multi-vehicle crash on South Orange Avenue and South 9th Street in Newark. A food truck and county transportation bus were involved in the crash. Two people, traveling in the ambulance, were killed.
Montclair resident Keith Chipepo, 30, who was employed by the private ambulance company, was killed that day. Martha Conley, 58, of Newark, who was a patient in the ambulance, died from her injuries on Nov. 28, 2012.
On July 18 of this year, Sterling entered a guilty plea yesterday to two counts of aggravated manslaughter
Sterling was originally indicted on two counts of aggravated manslaughter, eluding, aggravated assault, vehicle homicide, driving with a suspended license and causing death while driving with a suspended license. He pled guilty to two counts of aggravated manslaughter.
Sterling has six prior felony convictions for aggravated assault, robbery, conspiracy, possession of narcotics and weapons offenses.
The case was handled by Assistant Prosecutor Jason Hollingsworth.
“This is a very serious case and hopefully the resolution of this matter will bring some measure of solace to the families,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Hollingsworth.
