By: Richard L. Smith
A Hudson County woman has been resentenced to 70 years in New Jersey State Prison for her involvement in the 2010 murders of Michael Muchioki and Nia Haqq, following a ruling by Judge Mitzy Galis-Menendez in Hudson County.
Latonia Bellamy, now 33, was originally convicted in 2021 for her role in the fatal robbery and carjacking that led to the deaths of the young couple in Jersey City.
Bellamy’s new sentence includes 30 years for felony murder with a 30-year parole ineligibility period for the death of Muchioki.
This term will run concurrently with a 10-year sentence for robbery.
She also received a consecutive 40-year sentence for the murder of Nia Haqq, with 85% parole ineligibility, along with additional sentences for carjacking, robbery, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Bellamy will not be eligible for parole until she serves 64 years of her sentence.
The resentencing comes after a 2021 Appellate Court decision upheld Bellamy’s conviction but required the court to reconsider her sentencing in light of new evidence submitted by the defense.
Bellamy was convicted for her role in the April 4, 2010, robbery and shooting of Muchioki, 27, and Haqq, 25, as they were attacked on Randolph Avenue in Jersey City.
Others involved in the crime include Shiquan Bellamy, who is serving a life sentence plus 30 years, and Darmellia Lawrence, who is serving 20 years for their parts in the deadly incident.
Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Leonardo Rinaldi represented the state during the resentencing.