By: Richard L. Smith
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today that Michael Wylie of Newark has been sentenced to 22 years in New Jersey State Prison after being convicted of aggravated manslaughter for stabbing his roommate to death.
The Honorable John Zunic, who presided over the jury trial, sentenced Wylie to 22 years for the fatal stabbing of Kevin Williams, a fellow resident and roommate at the H.E.L.P. Center Shelter.
Wylie was convicted of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a knife, and third-degree possession of a knife for an unlawful purpose.
On the evening of February 5, 2022, Michael Wylie snuck a knife into the H.E.L.P. Center Shelter where he was residing.
He subsequently stabbed Kevin Williams in the face, neck, and heart, leading to Williams' death.
Wylie was arrested later while still in possession of the knife.
Following the sentencing, Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Justin Edwab, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Cara Brady Smith, expressed gratitude to the individuals from 224 Sussex Avenue who testified about what they witnessed, as well as the detectives and law enforcement personnel who helped bring Michael Wylie to justice.
"While this sentence will not bring back Kevin Williams, we hope it brings some form of consolation to those family and friends who are still grieving," Edwab said.
Under the No Early Release Act, Wylie must serve 85% of his 22-year sentence before being eligible for parole.
Upon release, he will be on parole supervision for an additional five years.