By: Richard L. Smith
In a packed Essex County courtroom, Superior Court Judge Michael L. Ravin delivered a stern sentence to suspended Newark Police Officer Jovany Crespo, who was convicted of aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault, and official misconduct.
Crespo, 31, was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his actions during a 2019 incident in which he fired multiple times at a fleeing vehicle, resulting in the death of one man and severe injuries to another.
On January 28, 2019, at approximately 11:20 p.m., Crespo shot Gregory Griffin, 46, and Andrew J. Dixon, 35, both of Newark, after Griffin fled a traffic stop.
The initial stop was made by a female Newark police officer in the area of Clinton Avenue and Thomas Street.
She reported that Griffin was fleeing and that she saw a gun, prompting a pursuit involving several police cars.
Crespo, who was not the officer who initiated the stop, fired shots at the fleeing car at three separate locations.
The vehicle eventually stopped near 54 Irvine Turner Boulevard, where Griffin and Dixon were found with gunshot wounds to the head. Griffin died the next day at University Hospital, while Dixon sustained serious injuries.
During the ten-week trial, which concluded on June 23, 2023, Crespo was convicted by an Essex County jury.
He was taken into custody following the verdict. On the day of sentencing, Crespo walked into the courtroom shackled and wearing a green t-shirt.
Judge Ravin acknowledged the over 300 days Crespo had already served before the sentencing.
Assistant Prosecutor Alexander Albu, who handled the case, argued that Crespo's actions were deliberate and not justified by his lack of experience. "He spent time at the Academy and learned how to deal with situations like this," Albu said.
"This was not a split-second decision; Crespo was shooting at the vehicle in four separate incidents." Albu called for a high-end sentence of 33 years with 85 percent parole eligibility.
"Contrary to the defendant's claims, this was not a case about police policy," Judge Ravin stated. "This was a case about a police officer who chased down two fleeing suspects and gunned them down."
During the sentencing proceedings attended by RLS Media, Crespo's defense team sought leniency, arguing for a total of 15 years to be served concurrently.
They cited Crespo's short tenure as an officer—only a year and a half—and the lack of a supervising officer in the car.
They also blamed the Newark Police Department's policies, claiming Crespo and his partner were ill-prepared for such a high-stakes situation.
In an emotional plea, Crespo's mother asked the judge for mercy. "My son Jovany thought he was doing right that night when he wanted to protect and serve," she said. "I need my son; he's a good man. I ask for clemency for him; he's not a bad person." She also apologized to the victims' families.
Crespo himself addressed the court, expressing remorse. "I would like to apologize for the event that occurred—to my family, the victims, and to this court," he said. "I honestly thought I was doing the right thing, your honor, and I apologize."
After a brief recess, Judge Ravin delivered the final sentence: 20 years for first-degree aggravated manslaughter and 7 years for second-degree aggravated assault, both to be served consecutively, with 85 percent parole eligibility.
Crespo must serve 22 years of the 27-year sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
The courtroom, filled with emotions from both sides, marked the end of a long and painful legal process stemming from that fateful night in January 2019.