By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Atlantic County announced that on Tuesday, December 17, Azair Wilson, 19, of Atlantic City, was sentenced by the Honorable Jorge Coombs, J.S.C., to 12 years in New Jersey State Prison with an 85% parole ineligibility period pursuant to the No Early Release Act (NERA) on charges of first-degree aggravated manslaughter in the shooting death of Tamaj Bennett, 18, also of Atlantic City.
Atlantic County officials said the court deviated from the negotiated plea agreement, which recommended Wilson be sentenced to 18 years in New Jersey State Prison pursuant to NERA. At sentencing, the State argued for and recommended imposition of the previously agreed-upon 18-year term.
Upon his release from prison, Wilson will be subject to parole supervision for a period of five years, County officials stated.
According to Atlantic County officials, on Sunday, June 18, 2023 (Father’s Day), the Atlantic City Police Department responded to a report of a shooting in the area of 1400 Atlantic Avenue.
Atlantic City Police said that officers found Tamaj Bennet suffering from, and ultimately dying from, multiple gunshot wounds (approximately 13).
Video surveillance showed Bennett being dropped off near a convenience store at 1406 Atlantic Avenue, Police say.
Atlantic County authorities said that as Bennett walked toward the store, he briefly acknowledged the males standing outside of the store when Wilson fired a handgun at Bennett.
Bennett is seen running into the store with Wilson following and continuing to shoot Bennett multiple times, County officials said.
Atlantic City Police said Wilson fled the scene and the State of New Jersey and was ultimately arrested by officers from Georgia in College Park, GA, before being extradited back to New Jersey.