Cousins Who Shot Up Bergen Church Offered 7-Year Plea Deals, Report Says

RIDGEWOOD, NJ - Two cousins accused of shooting more than 40 bullets into a landmark Ridgewood church with an assault rifle last year were offered seven-year prison sentences if they plead guilty to the charges filed against them, according to a report.

Alexander Norrell, 23, of Ridgewood, and his cousin, Joseph Galli, 22, of Somerville, allegedly fired rounds from a “high-powered rifle” into the historic church, breaking a stained-glass window from 1875. They caused $50,000 worth of damage, authorities said.

A grand jury indicted the men on eight criminal charges Sept. 2, including possession of an MK-47 assault rifle with the purpose to use it unlawfully against the property of another between Nov. 16 and Dec. 26, 2014, NBCPhiladelphia previously reported.

Norrell and Galli would each have to serve three-and-a-half years without parole if they accept the deals, Assistant Bergen County Prosecutor Keith Travers told Cliffviewpilot.com Tuesday.

Authorities allege Norrell unlawfully possessed an assault rifle, a sawed-off shotgun, and another rifle. They were also indicted for causing more than $2,000 in property damage.

Norrell was also charged with conspiracy to commit criminal mischief and possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose.