A 28-year-old Irvington man has pleaded guilty to the fatal shooting of another man in Newark.
On Nov. 16, Rashad Zeigler, pleaded guilty to charges of reckless manslaughter and unlawful possession of a weapon in connection with the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Cleavon Washington, of Newark, on the Dec. 29, 2011.
Under the plea deal, prosecutors recommended a six-year prison sentence for Zeigler, of which he will have to serve slightly more than five years before becoming eligible for parole. He will also receive credit for time served, according to officials.
Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 11 before Superior Court Judge Peter Ryan.
Zeigler was originally charged with murder and two weapons offenses. However, under the plea deal, the murder charge was downgraded to reckless manslaughter and the other weapons offense will be dismissed.