NJ cop who killed wife denounced by kids; sentenced to 30 years

New Jersey 101.5 video

A Neptune police officer who gunned down his ex-wife on an Asbury Park street while police officers stood by and watched was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in prison.

Before a Superior Court judge handed down his sentence, former Sgt. Philip Seidle heard heartbreaking condemnations from his own children who spoke about the pain of losing their mother, Tamara Seidle.

Seidle pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in the June 15, 2015, shooting. He must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.

The sentencing follows a June report by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office clearing the Asbury Park police officers of any wrongdoing. Some criticized the officers for not doing more to stop Seidle from gunning down his ex-wife in her car. But Monmouth County Acting Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni said there was no opportunity for officers to fire their own weapons at Seidle.

Seidle had chased his wife in a car through city streets before she came to a stop after a crash near an Asbury Park police officer, who was on the scene for an unrelated traffic stop.

The couple’s 7-year-old daughter — one of nine children they had together — was in the car when Seidle fired eight bullets. The girl got out of the car and ran toward cops. After more cops arrived, Seidle fired four more rounds.

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Sergio Bichao is deputy digital editor at New Jersey 101.5. Send him news tips: Call 609-438-1015 or email sergio.bichao@townsquaremedia.com.