Johnson: Faces 40 years to life when sentenced
GOSHEN – The 17-year-old who shot seven people at a Halloween party
in the City of Newburgh, killing two of them, pled guilty in Orange County
Court on Thursday to two counts of murder and five counts of attempted
murder.
When sentenced in April, Nija Johnson of Newburgh faces 40 years to life
in connection with the shootings at 119 Broadway in the early morning
hours of October 30, 2016.
Johnson admitted he intended to kill someone with whom he had been in
a fight when he fired at least 10 times, striking seven party-goers.
Killed in the gunfire were Tabitha Cruz, 20, and Omani Free, 18, both
of Newburgh.
Johnson admitted that the only reason he stopped firing the gun, which
was loaded, was because he had been forcibly disarmed by another person
at the party.
The gun he used, a .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine designed
to hold 20 rounds, was recovered behind 119 Broadway.
“The loss of two innocent young women’s lives, and the serious
injuries suffered by five other young people caused by this defendant’s
senseless shooting is almost incomprehensible,” said District Attorney
David Hoovler. “The climate which gives rise to some tolerating,
or even encouraging, this type of senseless violence must stop.”
