Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that the Honorable Thomas M. Moore, J.S.C., sentenced Abdul Holman, 26, of Newark to 25 years in New Jersey State Prison for attempted murder.
Under the No Early Release Act, Holman must serve 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.
Assistant Prosecutor Allan Nawrocki, who tried the case, said, on March 21, 2011 Holman shot Akmal Barnhill, 35, of Newark three times in the back. The shooting occurred when Barnhill went to his ex-girlfriend’s house in Irvington to collect some of his belongings. Holman, her new boyfriend, was with her. The two men exchanged words.
The victim left the house. The defendant went after him with a gun, shooting him three times in the back then running off and tossing the gun in a neighbor’s yard.
The jury deliberated approximately six hours following the three day trial before finding Holman guilty of first degree attempted murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
“Given this defendant’s extensive prior record, the 25 year sentence is absolutely appropriate,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Nawrocki. “Holman has at least four prior convictions and this particular case demonstrated a reckless disregard for life.’’
