Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today the sentencing of Eric D. Lunsford, 20, of Newark. Lunsford was sentenced to 35 years for the aggravated manslaughter of Jeffrey King, 48, and the aggravated assault of Everett Stephenson, 33, both of Newark.
A jury convicted Lunsford of the charges on Feb. 22, 2010.
The Honorable Joseph Cassini, 3rd, J.S.C., sentenced Lunsford today to 25 years for the aggravated manslaughter and 10 years for the aggravated assault. The sentences will run consecutively. Lunsford must serve 29 years and nine months before he is eligible for parole. Lunsford was also found guilty of two weapons offenses. The sentences for the weapons offenses will run concurrently with the sentences imposed for the more serious crimes.
Assistant Prosecutor Lynne Borasio, who tried the case, said on the night of August 16, 2008, Lunsford shot the two victims in their back, killing King and injuring Stephenson. For more than a year Stephenson was paralyzed.
“This is a tragic case of a young man, who by the age of 19, brazenly shot two men in the back, killing one and partially severing the spinal cord of another,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Borasio. “Our streets are safer with him behind bars.’’
