TRENTON, NJ — Four defendants have been sentenced for their involvement in events that led to the 2020 shooting of a New Jersey State Police detective during a violent confrontation at a Salem County mobile home park, the state Attorney General’s Office announced Monday.
Key Points
- Four defendants received sentences ranging from probation to five years in prison.
- The shooting occurred on April 25, 2020, at the Harding Woods mobile home park in Pittsgrove.
- Detective Richard Hershey was seriously wounded while investigating a home invasion.
Sentences imposed for conspiracy and riot charges
New Jersey Superior Court Judge Russell A. DePersia sentenced the defendants on April 1 at the Salem County Courthouse. Markese Rogers, 30, received five years in state prison. Noel Lazu, 25, and Imari Lazu, 27, were each sentenced to three years. Ashley Acevedo Diaz, 27, was sentenced to two years of probation with a nine-month county jail term. A fifth defendant, Shakeem Waters, 36, is awaiting sentencing on April 11.
The charges stem from a coordinated effort that escalated into a shooting at the Harding Woods trailer park, where NJSP Detective Richard Hershey was wounded while on duty.
Caravan confrontation turned violent
Detective Hershey was at the crime scene on April 25, 2020, investigating a home invasion in which a woman was beaten and robbed.
Later that night, a caravan of 15 people arrived at the park, allegedly intent on attacking one of the victim’s family members. Several were armed with handguns, a knife, and a glass bottle.
According to investigators, Rogers and others confronted Hershey, who identified himself as law enforcement and issued commands. His orders were ignored.
Detective shot while defending scene
As tensions escalated, Tremaine Hadden, 32, Najzeir “Naz” Hutchings, 26, and Kareen “Kai” Warner, 23, opened fire on Detective Hershey. Ballistics analysis showed Hadden fired at least 11 shots. Hershey, hit in the hip, returned fire and was later hospitalized at Cooper University Hospital in Camden.
He survived his injuries and has since returned to duty. Hadden was sentenced to 37 years in prison. Hutchings received a 13-year term, and Warner was sentenced to seven years.