Basim Henry gets life in prison for deadly Short Hills Mall carjacking
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- The first man convicted for his role in a deadly carjacking at the Short Hills Mall in New Jersey was sentenced to life in prison Monday.
Basim Henry, 36, of South Orange, was convicted of murder, carjacking and weapons possession in connection with the murder of 30-year-old Hoboken lawyer Dustin Friedland, who was gunned down in front of his wife for their Range Rover.
Prosecutors say Henry was among four men involved in the December 2013 incident and served as the getaway driver.
Henry barely lifted his head in court as he learned his fate after declining to speak prior to the sentencing.
Superior Court Judge Michael Ravin rendered his decision to sentence Henry to life plus 10 years on top, in part to due to his long rap sheet, his "escalating criminal behavior," his non-existent work history and his failure to graduate from high school.
Defense lawyer Michael Rubas argued in his closing statement that Henry wasn't responsible for the shooter's actions, but Essex County prosecutors said Henry "knew force was necessary" to get the vehicle.
Jurors heard from the victim's wife, with Jamie Friedland testifying she saw her husband struggling with two men in the parking deck before he was shot.
"He opens the car door, he leans in, he points the gun at my head and then he said get out the car you (expletive, expletive)," she said. "And I said OK, OK, I'm going I'm going I'm going."
Those were the orders Henry allegedly gave to Friedland right after her husband was shot and killed.
"I saw the struggle," she said. "I saw the taller man who was behind the driver's side door. I saw him put the gun to Dustin's head, and I heard bang, bang."
Jamie Friedland also gave an impact statement, speaking about the traumatic impact on her life. She fought through tears as she told the court how she struggles daily -- and is jumpy when she goes to a mall or passes a parking deck.
Watch her full statement here:
A trial date has not yet been set for the other three suspects.
