PATERSON — A northern New Jersey man has been sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the accidental shooting death of his 5-year-old adoptive brother. Passaic County prosecutors say 24-year-old Jalik Jones of Paterson left a loaded gun accessible to the boy and his 6-year-old brother in December 2009. Jones, a convicted felon, illegally acquired the .380-caliber...
PATERSON — A northern New Jersey man has been sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the accidental shooting death of his 5-year-old adoptive brother.
Passaic County prosecutors say 24-year-old Jalik Jones of Paterson left a loaded gun accessible to the boy and his 6-year-old brother in December 2009.
Jones, a convicted felon, illegally acquired the .380-caliber handgun and kept it in the bedroom at his mother's house. The boys found the gun and were playing with it when the older boy accidentally shot his younger sibling once in the head.
Jones must serve 85 percent of the sentence imposed Friday before becoming eligible for parole. He previously pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter and weapons charges.
Previous coverage:
• Paterson man pleads not guilty in 5 year old's shooting death
• Paterson mom of slain child violated N.J. adoption rules, report says
• N.J. removes four children from Paterson home after shooting