adminAtlantic City, NJ – Joshua Cross, 31, was sentenced to 40 years in New Jersey state prison on January 11, 2019, for his role in the 2012 murder of 25-year-old Sedrick Lindo. Cross must serve 35 years before becoming eligible for parole.
Incident Details:
- Date and Location: On July 29, 2012, Lindo was shot and killed on the front porch of the Carver Hall Apartment Complex in Atlantic City.
- Additional Victim: A 3-year-old boy present on the porch with his mother was injured by a ricochet bullet and received medical attention.
Legal Proceedings:
- Conviction: Cross was convicted on December 10, 2018, following a trial before Judge Patricia M. Wild. He faced charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, endangering child welfare, and aggravated assault by pointing a firearm.
- Sentencing: At sentencing, Judge Wild imposed a 40-year prison term, with 35 years of parole ineligibility, in accordance with state sentencing guidelines.
Co-Defendants:
- Demarice Bennett: In January 2019, Bennett pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder in connection with Lindo’s death. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with a requirement to serve 6½ years before becoming eligible for parole.
- Blackwell Cousins: Khalil Blackwell, identified as the mastermind, and his cousin Mujahid Blackwell, who was 16 at the time and allegedly the shooter, are awaiting trial. Demarice Bennett agreed to testify against them under his plea agreement.
Additional Information:
- Community Impact: The incident highlighted concerns about gun violence in Atlantic City, prompting discussions about public safety measures.
- Legal Process: The case underscores the complexities of prosecuting murder cases involving multiple defendants and the importance of witness testimony in securing convictions.
Please note that legal proceedings are ongoing, and details may evolve as new information becomes available.
