Trial of New Jersey Police Officer Who Killed, Injured Suspects in High-Speed Chase To Resume Deliberations

Jurors resumed deliberations in the trial of Jovanny Crespo who killed and injured the suspects involved in a high-speed chase in 2019. The New Jersey police officer was accused of using unjustified deadly force which violated the guidelines of the state.

In January 2019, New Jersey police officer Jovanny Crespo, then 26, was accused of shooting two armed suspects during a wild high-speed chase. Police body camera and dashboard footage showed the New Jersey police officer firing thrice at the suspects during the pursuit.

An article in Fox News states that the driver, Gregory Griffin, 46, was killed and another man, the passenger, sustained severe gunshot injuries. Essex County prosecutors then accused the New Jersey police officer of violating the guidelines of the state attorney general. According to the guidelines, police may use deadly force only during an imminent danger of death or serious injuries.

The New Jersey police officer was charged with misconduct, aggravated assault, and aggravated manslaughter. After his indictment in May 2019, the New Jersey police officer was suspended without pay and spent a week in prison.

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Trial of New Jersey Police Officer

An article in ABC7 New York states that the jurors have already deliberated the trial of the New Jersey police officer for four days. However, on June 30, the jurors discovered that one member of the panel had a prior opinion of the case. Consequently, the jurors were back in the courtroom after the defense team sought a mistrial on July 3.

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