Newark officer convicted of deadly 2019 shooting and sentenced to 27 years in prison

A former Newark police officer convicted of a deadly 2019 shooting has been sentenced to 27 years in prison.

Authorities said Jovanny Crespo shot two men inside a car speeding through the streets of Newark in January 2019. Crespo fired seven times and hit Gregory Griffin and Andrew Dixon. Griffin later died from his injuries.

The incident was captured on police body cameras and the footage was presented at trial.

The Essex County prosecutor argued that Crespo was not justified in shooting because Griffin, the driver, did not have a weapon.

Crespo claimed to have seen the passenger with a gun and his lawyer argued that he had to shoot to save his own life.

Crespo was ultimately convicted of aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault, involuntary manslaughter and official misconduct.

Judge Michael Ravin called the shooting an abuse of power. He called Crespo trigger-happy and said Crespo should have listened to his partner and shown restraint.

“Victims engaged in legitimate provocative acts are not often shot in the back of the head,” Ravin said.

Crespo had the opportunity to speak before the sentence was announced.

“I would like to apologize for this event… to the victims, to my family, to everyone who has gone through difficult times because of this,” he said.

Crepo will have to serve 85% of his sentence. He can appeal.