New Jersey court hands down 20 year term in fatal street shooting
North Bergen, NJ — A morning shooting that left a 31-year-old man dead has now led to a 20-year prison sentence for a Secaucus resident who admitted his role in the killing.
James Baker, 26, was sentenced Friday, March 27, 2026, by Superior Court Judge Angelo Servidio to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison after previously pleading guilty to aggravated manslaughter in connection with the 2024 homicide.
The sentence falls under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, requiring Baker to serve a significant portion of his term before becoming eligible for parole.
The case stems from an incident on Monday, August 5, 2024, when officers were called shortly after 9 a.m. to the area of Meadowview Avenue and 61st Street for reports of an injured man.
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Responding officers found Juan Ortiz, 31, of North Bergen, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was transported to Palisades Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 9:40 a.m.
Baker later entered a guilty plea to aggravated manslaughter, acknowledging his role in the fatal shooting. The prosecution was handled by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Officials did not release additional details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Key Points
- Secaucus man sentenced to 20 years for North Bergen homicide
- Victim identified as 31-year-old Juan Ortiz
- Sentence subject to No Early Release Act requirements
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