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Michael R. Loftin, Jr., of Cincinnati, OH, was convicted after a 12-day jury trial of first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, according to Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae.
Loftin was acquitted on Wednesday, Aug. 9 of two counts of first-degree murder, aggravated assault and weapons offenses, she said.
On March 8, 2015, around 12:20 a.m., Vineland Police Officers were dispatched to the 100 block of West Grape Street for several gunshots fired. They found the victim’s vehicle with four occupants inside.
As a result of the gunshots, the officers found Damien Mills dead at the scene, the prosecutor said.
Kevin Peterson who suffered four gunshot wounds, later died at the hospital.
A third female victim survived a gunshot wound to the leg. A fourth victim, also a woman, did not suffer any injuries.
Officers found a flip-phone in close proximity to shell casings and the victim’s vehicle.
After examining the phone’s contents, certain phone numbers led them to a residence in the 200 block of E. Oak Rd., Vineland, wherein Loftin was a resident, the prosecutor said.
The flip-phone was swabbed for DNA and returned positive as a match to Loftin, she said.
Loftin was charged on June 2, 2015.
Co-defendant Sheldon Goldsborough was also charged in this matter and his case is currently pending
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