Secaucus man sentenced to 20 years for deadly north bergen shooting

Secaucus man sentenced to 20 years for deadly North Bergen shooting

by
March 31, 2026
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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.

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
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

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