Ex-new jersey cop gets 11 years for killing husband while 'demonstrating' snake attack

NEWTON, NJ — Wednesday — A retired New Jersey police officer was sentenced to 11 years in state prison after being convicted of first-degree aggravated manslaughter in the fatal shooting of his husband during a drunken firearm demonstration, prosecutors announced.

Key Points

Joseph Grieco was sentenced Wednesday to 11 years for shooting his husband, John Kelly.
The incident occurred in July 2023 after a night of drinking in Vernon Township.
Grieco was warned the gun was loaded before it discharged and struck Kelly.

According to the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, Joseph Grieco, 38, fatally shot his husband, 44-year-old John Kelly, during the early morning hours of July 26, 2023, while handling a loaded Gen4 Glock Model 23 at their home in Vernon Township. Grieco reportedly claimed he was demonstrating how to kill a snake.

The couple had returned home after a night of socializing and drinking at the Vernon VFW. Witnesses testified Grieco was warned multiple times that the firearm was loaded before it discharged, hitting Kelly in the abdomen.

Kelly, a former New York City Police Officer, was transported to a hospital in Warwick, New York, where he later died from his injuries.

State sought 20-year sentence

At sentencing, prosecutors pushed for a 20-year term, while the defense requested five years. Judge Michael C. Gaus, who presided over the trial, imposed an 11-year sentence with an 85% parole ineligibility requirement under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act.

“The sentencing by the Court underscores the importance of safe and responsible gun ownership and the deadly consequences that can occur should a person disregard this responsibility,” said Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Sahil K. Kabse in a press release.

Trial followed January conviction

Grieco was found guilty in January following a trial prosecuted by Acting Prosecutor Kabse and Assistant Prosecutor Vanessa Henderson. Grieco was represented by defense attorney S. Emile Lisboa IV.

The incident has drawn attention due to the backgrounds of both Grieco and Kelly, who each served in law enforcement prior to the fatal shooting.

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