By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Atlantic County announced that on Wednesday, October 23, Julio Vazquez-Dones, 38, of Atlantic City, pleaded guilty to first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter in exchange for a 25-year term in New Jersey State Prison subject to the No Early Release Act.
As part of the agreement, Vazquez-Dones will have to serve 85% of the sentence before he is eligible for parole, Atlantic County officials stated. 
According to County officials, on July 8, 2023, at approximately 5:00 a.m., officers from the Atlantic City Police Department were dispatched to the Red Carpet Inn for a report of a physical altercation.
When officers arrived, they located a victim suffering from apparent stab wounds, officials say. The victim succumbed to his injuries, and he was identified as Jewel Lonon, 31, of Rosedale, NY.
Atlantic City Police officers reviewed surveillance from the Red Carpet Inn and subsequently detained multiple people for questioning.
County officials stated that surveillance footage showed a Hispanic male wearing a blue shirt and blue shorts chasing the victim into the parking lot of the Red Carpet Inn.
The suspect then assaulted and stabbed the victim, Atlantic City Police said.
Investigators spoke with Julio Felix Vazquez-Dones, who admitted stabbing the victim after a dispute, County officials said. Vazquez-Dones further admitted to discarding his clothes and weapon after stabbing the victim multiple times.
Sentencing will take place before the Honorable Pamela D’Arcy on March 12, 2025, officials said.