By: Richard L. Smith
On Friday, November 3, an Elizabeth man received a 60-year state prison sentence for his involvement in the shooting death of Mr. Antwoine Thompson in 2021.
Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel, Elizabeth Police Director Earl Graves, and Elizabeth Police Chief Giacomo Sacca made the announcement today.
The sentencing follows the guilty verdict handed down to Michael Rogers on May 16 and was found guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon after a five-week trial before Union County Superior Court Judge Thomas K. Isenhour.
Today, Judge Isenhour sentenced Rogers to 60 years in State Prison, with the stipulation that he must serve at least 85% of the term before becoming eligible for parole.
The tragic incident occurred in the early afternoon of April 26, 2021, when Elizabeth Police patrol units responded to a call at the intersection of Second and Bond streets.
They discovered Antwoine Thompson, who had sustained six gunshot wounds.
Assistant Prosecutors Jillian Reyes and Joseph Cho, who prosecuted the case, noted that Thompson was rushed to Trinitas Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 3 p.m.
Prosecutor Daniel expressed his hope that this significant sentence provides some measure of comfort to the victim's loved ones and the community.
He emphasized that such egregious offenses will not be tolerated, and every effort will be made to bring offenders to justice.
