Feb. 22, 2018
Man Sentenced to 55 Years for Murder
Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced today that Luis Mangual, 33, of Newark was sentenced to 55 years in New Jersey State Prison by the Honorable Verna G. Leath, Judge of the Superior Court, for the murder of Jose Alfaro, 39, of Newark.
Mangual was tried in June and July of 2017 for the Dec. 28, 2013 murder of Alfaro who was shot between the eyes at close range in front of his home. An Essex County jury convicted Mangual on July 14, 2017 of murder, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
Assistant Prosecutor Carlo Fioranelli, who handled the case, said, “This was a tragic case where the victim was murdered outside his home in front of his friends and family members. I hope the sentence imposed today gives his loved ones a sense of closure.”
Assistant Prosecutor Fioranelli argued for a lengthy sentence because of the defendant’s long criminal history.
In 2003 the defendant was convicted of arson in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In April 2008, he was convicted of obstruction of justice and two disorderly person’s offenses. In Dec. 2008 he was convicted of trespassing. A month later, in January 2009 he pled guilty to possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute. He was sentenced on March 30, 2009 to two years probation.
Less than three months after being placed on probation the defendant committed another drug offense. The defendant was sentenced to seven years in New Jersey State Prison with a mandatory minimum period of parole ineligibility of three year. That sentence was imposed on Aug. 26, 2009.
On June 18, 2012 the defendant was paroled. On December 28, 2013 the defendant murdered Alfaro, while still on parole. While on trial for the Alfaro murder the defendant assaulted another inmate, resulting in a pending case.
