A Garfield NJ man was sentenced to 60 years in NJ State Prison for killing a marijuana dealer in 2010.

The defendant was in a group of four men who allegedly tried to rob the 22-year-old victim outside his apartment building in Passaic, New Jersey.

The victim was reportedly a marijuana dealer. Prosecutors said that the group of men arranged to meet the victim under the guise of wanting to purchase marijuana. However, prosecutors said, the defendant and the other suspects actually intended to rob the victim.

According to authorities, the victim became suspicious at some point during the meeting and pulled out a knife. The defendant then responded by fatally shooting the victim in the chest with a .38 caliber handgun.

The victim reportedly ran back into the apartment building, where he collapsed in the hallway and died.

All four suspects were later charged in connection with the killing.

Two of the defendants already pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter. In exchange for lesser charges, they agreed to testify against the defendant in the homicide case. They will be sentenced in January. It is expected that they will receive sentences of no longer than 18 years each.

A third defendant pleaded guilty to charges of hindering apprehension. He will also be sentenced next month.

The defendant in the homicide case was ultimately convicted of first degree murder.

During sentencing in Passaic County Superior Court in Paterson NJ, the defendant declined the opportunity to speak. The prosecutor in the case asked the judge to impose a life sentence because the defendant is reportedly a member of the Bloods street gang and has a lengthy criminal record.

The defendant’s sentence requires him to serve at least 51 years in prison before he becomes eligible for parole.

For more information, view the NJ.com article entitled “Garfield Man Gets 60 Years for Murder of Passaic Drug Dealer.”