Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that the Honorable Peter J. Vazquez, J.S.C., sentenced Nolvin Garcia, 25, also known as Jose Elvin Lendos Garcia, of Orange, to 24 years in New Jersey state prison for 1st degree aggravated manslaughter and 1st degree attempted murder in the fatal shooting of Jacques Nelson, 32, of Orange.
On August 6, 2012, Nelson, a father of four, was shot and killed outside Misty’s Restaurant, on Main Street in West Orange, where he worked as a bouncer. Nelson attempted to intervene in a dispute between Garcia and another restaurant patron in the parking lot just before being shot.
On July 23, 2013, Garcia pleaded guilty. A citizen of Honduras, Garcia faces deportation after he completes his prison sentence. Under the No Early Release Act, he is required to serve 85 percent of the 24-year before becoming eligible for parole. Garcia will also be required to serve 5 years probation when he is released.
“This is a tragedy for the entire Nelson family. Here was a man working two jobs to provide for his family. He stepped in to be a peacemaker during a fight and was senselessly killed by a man with an illegal gun,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Eileen O’Connor. “Hopefully, the outcome will bring the family a measure of solace.’’
