Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that the Honorable Peter J. Vazquez, J.S.C., sentenced Edelbarto Padilla, 36, of Highland Park to 50 years in state prison for the murder of Carlos Manuel Freitas, 27, of Newark.

On October 24, 2002, the two men had an altercation at the Ugha Ugha Social Club at 43 Joseph Street in Newark. At that time the club was frequented by waiters and others in the restaurant business for after-hours gatherings. Although the nature of the altercation between the two men remains unknown, Padilla pulled out a gun and shot Freitas three times, killing him.

Two weeks after the crime, Padilla was charged with the murder and warrants were issued, but he eluded police for nine years, until he was finally arrested in New Brunswick. The case was initially tried before a jury that was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. On April 24, 2012, a new jury found Padilla guilty of murder and two weapons charges.

Assistant Prosecutor Brian Pollock, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Cheryl Cucinello, asked the judge to impose a 50-year sentence noting Padilla’s criminal history and “the senseless and brutal nature of the crime.’’ After Freitas was lying on the ground motionless and bleeding, Padilla shot him again, Pollock said.

Even though Padilla had no prior felony convictions, Pollock argued that Padilla, who is originally from Puerto Rico, demonstrated a disregard for the law and lack of remorse. He noted Padilla had been arrested on 16 prior occasions in three states and had 13 aliases.

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County jury convicted Edelbarto Padilla, 35, of Highland Park for the murder of Carlos Manuel Freitas, 27, of Newark following a six-day trial before the Honorable Peter J. Vazquez, J.S.C. In addition to murder, Padilla was also found guilty of two weapons offenses.

Back on Oct. 24, 2002, the two men were at the Ugha Ugha Social Club, located a 43 Joseph Street in Newark, when they got into an altercation. The precise cause of the disagreement was never determined. The club is known as a place where waiters and others in the restaurant business gather after hours. Shortly after 7 a.m. Padilla pulled out a gun and shot the victim three times, killing him. The jury deliberated for one day before returning a guilty verdict.

“Despite the fact that this murder occurred in 2002, this jury sifted through the evidence and finally gave Carlos Freitas’s family members the peace they so well deserved,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Brian Pollock, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Cheryl Cucinello.

Fourteen days after the crime occurred, Padilla was charged with the murder and warrants were issued for his arrest but he was on the run for nine years. He was eventually arrested in New Brunswick.

In March the case was tried before another jury but the jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict. Following the verdict today, Judge Vazquez immediately revoked the defendant’s $500,000 bail. When Padilla is sentenced on June 12, he faces life in prison.