Victim was seeking help from police when she was fatally shot, prosecutors say
East Orange, NJ – A New Jersey man will spend the rest of his life in prison after being resentenced for the fatal shooting of his ex-girlfriend outside her East Orange home, a killing that occurred as she attempted to get help from a nearby police officer.
Andre Higgs, 53, was sentenced Friday to life in prison, equivalent to 75 years, for the 2015 murder of 27-year-old Latrena May, an educator at Pride Academy Charter School. The sentencing follows a retrial conviction in December after his original 2017 conviction was overturned by the New Jersey Supreme Court in 2023.
Fatal shooting unfolded as victim sought help
“The shooting occurred after May ran from her home to escape an attack by Higgs and flagged down a police vehicle,” prosecutors stated. “As East Orange Detective Kemon Lee exited his vehicle and approached, Higgs fired multiple shots at May.”
Authorities said the shooting happened late on May 1, 2015, following an argument between Higgs and May outside her Tremont Avenue residence.
Key Points
- Andre Higgs sentenced Friday to life in prison for 2015 East Orange murder
- Victim Latrena May was shot while attempting to flag down a police officer
- Case retried after 2017 conviction was overturned by state Supreme Court
Suspect shot by officer, arrested after barricade
Police said Detective Kemon Lee returned fire during the incident, striking Higgs in the legs. Higgs then retreated into the home, where the victim’s 4-year-old daughter was inside, before barricading himself.
He was later taken into custody, and prosecutors said additional charges led to a separate 20-year sentence for weapons offenses.
The case centers on a domestic violence incident that escalated into a fatal shooting in a residential neighborhood, drawing renewed attention following the retrial and sentencing.