A Neptune man will spend 40 years in New Jersey state prison for his role in the 2008 murder of 24-year-old Nathaniel Wiggins of Eatontown, announced Monmouth County Acting Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

loading...

23-year-old Lashawn Fitch must serve 85 percent of the term, or 34 years, before he is eligible for parole. In February, 2014, Fitch was convicted of Felony Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, Armed Robbery, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.

Authorities say Fitch and three other men drove to the victim's apartment with the intention of robbing him. One of the men shot Wiggins, ultimately causing his death. The other three men were all sentenced previously.

On March 24, 2011, Kenneth M. Bacon-Vaughters was convicted of felony murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.  On June 10, 2011, Judge English sentenced him to 40 years imprisonment with an 85 percent period of parole ineligibility.

On February 7, 2012, Aron Pines was convicted of conspiracy to commit second-degree robbery and second-degree robbery.  On May 4, 2012, Judge English sentenced him to 8 years imprisonment with an 85% period of parole ineligibility.

On December 21, 2012, Tahj J. Pines was convicted of felony murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.  On May 13, 2013, Judge English sentenced him to 50 years imprisonment with an 85 percent period of parole ineligibility.

The case was prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors Christopher J. Decker and Christopher Matthews.  Fitch represented himself at trial with the assistance of standby counsel, Theodore Campbell, Esq., of New Brunswick.

More From 92.7 WOBM