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27-Year-Old Newark Man Pleads Guilty to Fatal Shooting

Newark

A 27-year-old Newark man accused of fatally shooting another man in 2013, pleaded guilty Tuesday.

Ikei Harding admitted killing 21-year-old Michael Drake on Chadwick Avenue on June 17, 2013 as an act of revenge. According to Brooke Barnett, Harding's attorney, her client allegedly witnessed Drake shoot his best friend the day before, which left his best friend paralyzed.

Harding plead guilty to reckless manslaughter and unlawful possession of a weapon in connection.

Under a plea agreement, prosecutors are recommending a six-year prison sentence but would have to serve slightly more than five years before becoming eligible for parole. Harding however, will receive credit for nearly two years of time served.

His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 17 before Superior Court Judge Ronald Wigler.

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