Two Jersey City men were sentenced yesterday following their murder convictions for a 2018 shooting death.
According to Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, Alterik Ellis, 29, and Travis DeFoe, 32, were each sentenced by Judge Angelo Servidio to to 35 years in New Jersey State Prison for the 2018 death of 17-year-old Jade Saunders.
Saunders was gunned down on the morning of October 26, 2018, in the area of 76 Brinkerhoff Street. Responding police officers found Saunders with an apparent gunshot wound to the upper body. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Three other individuals were injured during the shooting.
Ellis and DeFoe were each convicted at trial of Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Possession of Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Theft of Moveable Property. The verdict was delivered on July 21, 2022, following a seven week trial. The State was represented in this matter by Hudson County Assistant Prosecutors Kevin Roe and John Burke.
“No family should ever lose a child in a senseless act of gun violence,” said Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Kevin Roe. “It is our hope today’s sentence provides comfort to the victim’s family as they continue to heal from this tragedy.”
In addition to their 35 year sentences in state prison for Murder, Ellis and DeFoe were sentenced to 20 years for Conspiracy to Commit Murder – both of which are subject to the No Early Release Act – seven years for Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and four years for Theft of Moveable Property. The sentences will be served concurrently.