A late-night break-in turned shooting inside a Jackson home has led to a multi-year prison sentence under New Jersey’s strict parole laws.
Jackson Township, NJ – A Howell Township man has been sentenced to state prison after being convicted of firing a handgun inside a residence occupied by adults and children, prosecutors announced. Gardin A. Guevara-Umanzor, 47, was sentenced Friday to seven years in New Jersey State Prison for burglary, with the sentence subject to the No Early Release Act, requiring him to serve at least 85 percent before parole eligibility. Additional concurrent sentences were imposed for weapons possession, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Records provided by ICE show Guevara-Umanzor has an active immigraton detainer and is in the United States illegally.
The conviction stems from an October 13, 2024 incident at a home on New Prospect Road, where police responded around 1:20 a.m. to a 911 call reporting an armed intruder.
Gunfire inside home prompts struggle with occupants
Investigators said Guevara-Umanzor entered the residence and fired multiple rounds from a handgun while several adults and two children were inside.
Key Points
- Defendant sentenced to 7 years under No Early Release Act for home invasion shooting
- Multiple victims, including children, were inside residence during gunfire
- Suspect apprehended at neighboring home shortly after fleeing scene
Authorities said after firing the first of five shots, an occupant attempted to disarm him, leading to a struggle as additional shots were fired. Other individuals inside the home also intervened before the suspect dropped the weapon and fled.
Law enforcement later recovered the firearm at the scene and located Guevara-Umanzor at a neighboring residence, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Jury conviction followed four-week trial
Guevara-Umanzor was found guilty on January 29 following a four-week jury trial. In addition to the burglary sentence, he received five years for unlawful possession of a weapon with a 42-month parole disqualifier, 18 months for aggravated assault, and four years for each of two counts of child endangerment, all to run concurrently.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer credited multiple agencies for their role in the investigation and prosecution, including the Jackson Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.