Former Newark officer Jovanny Crespo sentenced to 27 years in prison in 2019 shooting death

NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A former Newark officer was sentenced to 27 years in prison on Friday in the 2019 death of a man killed during a police chase.

Jovanny Crespo had been convicted last June of aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault and official misconduct.

On Jan. 28, 2019, Crespo fired his service weapon at a fleeing vehicle at three locations after the driver, Gregory Griffin, sped away from a traffic stop.

During a miles-long chase through Newark streets, Crespo repeatedly shot at the vehicle and ended up killing Griffin. His passenger, Andrew Dixon, was critically injured.

At the time of the incident, Crespo said he saw guns in the vehicle, but other officers said the car's tinted windows prevented them from seeing inside.

Crespo's attorneys argued his actions were justified, but the prosecution said it was excessive.

Crespo's mother, Aida, made a plea for mercy as she shed tears talking about her son and the impact the long sentence would have on their entire family.

Griffin and Dixon's families say the verdict was justified.

With good behavior, Crespo will spend just under 23 years in prison.