Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that Jerold Wise, 28, of Newark was sentenced today by the Honorable Alfonse J. Cifelli to life in prison for the murder of Curtis Johnson, 22, also of Newark.
Wise must serve a minimum of 35 years before he is eligible for parole.
On Sept. 8, 2009 Wise stabbed Johnson from behind in the neck on the corner of Broad and Market Streets in Newark, according to Assistant Essex County Prosecutor Gina Iosim, who tried the case. On Aug. 17, a jury convicted Wise of murder.
“This is a very sad case,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Iosim. “The defendant decided to settle an argument by taking another man’s life. To this day, he has never shown any remorse for his actions. We believe the sentence is justified.’’
