Somerset County Man Gets Murder Sentence Reduced To Almost Half

NORTH PLAINFIELD, NJ — A Somerset County man had his sentence almost cut in half during a re-sentencing hearing for the 2013 murder of John H. Niko, Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns, III, announced.

Gary Passarelli, 45, formerly of North Plainfield was initially sentenced to 60 years in state prison on Feb. 19, 2016, by Judge Angela F. Borkowski. His conviction and sentence was appealed asking that the trial court consider the Passarelli's age at his earliest possible release date, Kearns noted.

Assistant Prosecutor David Culley "vigorously argued against the re-sentencing" but on Jan. 17 Passarelli was re-sentenced by Borkowski to 35 years in state prison with 30 years of parole ineligibility.

"We are not satisfied with the reduction in Mr. Passarelli’s sentence and find it insufficient in light of this heinous murder. Our hearts go out in sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased," said Kearns of the sentencing.

The murder occurred on May 31, 2013 when Raritan Township Patrol Officers found the Niko's body while conducting a welfare check at his home after he didn't show up for work, according to the report.

The Hunterdon County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head and chest and multiple sharp force injuries, Kearns said.

Passarelli was found guilty on Nov. 9, 2015 of first-degree murder, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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