Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that **Jonathan Balaguer, 29,** of Newark pled guilty today to the Oct. 9, 2014 fatal shooting of Julio Martinez, 35, also of Newark, before the Honorable Verna Leath, Judge of the Superior Court.
Assistant Prosecutor Margarita Rivera, who handled the case, said Martinez was sitting in a car in the vicinity of 70 South Street when he was shot by Balaguer.
The state alleged that Balaguer approached the vehicle and shot Martinez at around 8:45 p.m. The two knew each other.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 8 before Judge Leath.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Balaguer is expected to be sentenced to 17 years in New Jersey State Prison.
He must serve 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.
Assistant Prosecutor Rivera said, “Although this in no way will fill their loss, hopefully, the resolution of the criminal matter will bring some peace to the Martinez family.’’