East Orange Resident Shot, Man Pleads Guilty To Manslaughter: Prosecutor

Authorities announced that Charles Puryear, 30, of Newark, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to charges related to the killing of Jackie Pena, 21, of East Orange, in November of 2011.

Puryear pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated manslaughter and one count of unlawful possession of a handgun, prosecutors stated.

He also admitted committing two other robberies of juveniles in November of 2011 in Newark, prosecutors said.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Puryear is expected to be sentenced to 25 years in New Jersey State Prison pursuant to the No Early Release Act, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office stated.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 2.

During his court appearance, Puryear admitted approaching the group of men, pulling a handgun and fatally shooting Pena as he stood outside with several other men on Smith Street in Newark, prosecutors said.

In addition to his Essex County charges, Pena has remaining charges related to a home invasion robbery in Wantage, Sussex County, authorities stated.

He has not been tried on those charges and is presumed innocent unless and until he is convicted in a court of law or enters a guilty plea, prosecutors said.