Morris County officials reported that Lamar Harris, 34, of Morristown, has been sentenced to 18 years in New Jersey State Prison.
According to Morris County officials, at approximately 12:29 a.m. on March 29, 2021, law enforcement received information regarding a deceased male at the Morristown Train Station on Morris Street.
Officials say an investigation confirmed that the male’s body was located on a stairway at the train station.
The victim sustained head injuries and a brick was located next to the body.
Officials said an autopsy was performed by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the manner of death was certified as homicide.
The victim was previously identified as Matthew Palla and an investigation, including video surveillance, revealed he and Lamar Harris were together in Morristown and the vicinity of the Morristown Train Station prior to the homicide.
Morris County officials said the investigation also revealed that Matthew Palla was in possession of approximately $800 prior to the homicide.
On June 15, 2022, Lamar Harris pled guilty to first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter and third-degree Theft by Unlawful Taking before the Hon. Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr. On August 11, 2022, Judge Taylor imposed a sentence of 18 years in New Jersey State Prison subject to the No Early Release Act, which makes the defendant ineligible for parole until he has served 85% of the sentence on the Aggravated Manslaughter.
Judge Taylor also imposed a concurrent sentence of five years in New Jersey State Prison for the Theft.
The defendant was also ordered to pay $800 restitution.