A Paterson New Jersey teen is going to prison on aggravated manslaughter charges stemming from a fatal shooting in Clifton, NJ.

The violent incident occurred on October 15, 2015 outside Lexington Liquors in Clifton, New Jersey. The suspect and three of his friends allegedly got into a physical altercation with Leandro Mendoza, a liquor store worker. At some point, the suspect left the scene, only to return later armed with a handgun. The suspect then allegedly used the handgun to shoot Mendoza two times.

The suspect was just 17 years old at the time of the shooting incident, so he was initially charged as a minor. However, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office successfully lobbied to get the suspect charged as an adult, meaning that he faced severe consequences.

The suspect was charged with multiple crimes, including first degree murder, armed robbery, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. He avoided trial on the criminal charges by reaching a plea agreement with Passaic County prosecutors.

In exchange for the suspect pleading guilty to aggravated manslaughter, prosecutors agreed to drop the remaining charges and recommend a sentence of 16 years in NJ State Prison.

For further information about this case, view the NJ.com article, “Teen Gets 16 Years for Killing Clifton Liquor Store Worker, Report Says.”