{"id":183071,"date":"2026-04-02T03:02:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T03:02:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/183071\/"},"modified":"2026-04-02T03:02:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T03:02:29","slug":"secaucus-man-sentenced-to-20-years-for-fatal-north-bergen-shooting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/183071\/","title":{"rendered":"Secaucus Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Fatal North Bergen Shooting"},"content":{"rendered":"

Secaucus<\/a><\/p>\n

By: Richard L. Smith\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0A Secaucus man has been sentenced to two decades in state prison for his role in a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a North Bergen resident in 2024.<\/p>\n

\"Ad\"\/<\/a><\/p>\n

According to a statement released by Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello, 26-year-old James Baker was sentenced on Friday, March 27, 2026, by the Honorable Angelo Servidio to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The sentence falls under the No Early Release Act, requiring Baker to serve at least 85% of his term before becoming eligible for parole.
\u00a0<\/p>\n

Baker previously pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated manslaughter in connection with the August 2024 killing.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Authorities said the incident occurred shortly after 9 a.m. on August 5, 2024, when police in North Bergen responded to reports of an injured man near Meadowview Avenue and 61st Street.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Upon arrival, officers found the victim, later identified as 31-year-old Juan Ortiz of North Bergen, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ortiz was transported to Palisades Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 9:40 a.m.
\u00a0<\/p>\n

The case was prosecuted by Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Kevin Roe. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting.<\/p>\n

\"Ad\"\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The sentencing brings closure to a case that has remained under investigation since the fatal incident nearly two years ago.<\/p>\n

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