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Jurors in September 2018 convicted Zamaire Barden of murder, attempted murder and weapons offenses following a trial in Paterson that lasted nearly a week.
Barden, who was 17 at the time, sold drugs to Dennis Gillespie of Warwick in April 2015, Senior Assistant Prosecutor Allan Nawrocki told the jury.
After contacting him for more, Gillespie returned the next day with Rachel Knight, Nawrocki said.
Once they got to Paterson, Barden told Gillespie to drive to Fulton and Carroll streets and wait, the prosecutor told jurors.
Barden first walked past their car, then returned and shot Gillespie in the head and neck he said.
He then shot Knight, Nawrocki said.
Gillespie was pronounced dead at the scene. Knight survived her injuries.
Superior Court Judge Scott J. Bennion sentenced Barden on Friday to 30 years without parole for Gillespie’s murder. He sentenced Barden to an additional 10 years – 85% of which he must serve -- for the attempted murder of Knight.
An additional five years for the weapons offenses will be served concurrently, the judge ordered.
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