By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Union County announced that on Thursday, May 16, a Plainfield man was sentenced to 23 years in state prison for a 2022 fatal shooting that took place in Plainfield.
Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel said Union County Superior Court Judge Candido Rodriguez sentenced Haneef Welch, 34, to 23 years in State Prison for Aggravated Manslaughter, directing that he must serve at least 85% of that sentence before being eligible for parole.
Officials said shortly before 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2022, members of the Plainfield Police Department responded to the intersection of Johnston Ave and East 2nd Street in Plainfield and found Eric Williams, 50, of Plainfield, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
He was subsequently transported to a local area hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Melissa Caparruva, officials say.
“While this sentencing does not bring Mr. Williams back, we hope it comes as some small solace to his loved ones,” said Union County Prosecutor Daniel.
“I commend the dedicated efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Melissa Caparruva, Berkeley Heights Sergeant William Fettes - the case detective on loan to our office, and all of the Homicide Task Force members who worked tirelessly on this case.”