2006 Media Releases:

CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
JAMES P. LYNCH, ACTING CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA INFORMATION

June 1, 2006

Acting Camden County Prosecutor James P. Lynch reported that a Camden man was found guilty today of Murder and related offenses in the fatal shooting of another city resident in December 2003 in Camden, N.J.

James Jackson, 31, faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced by Superior Court Judge Thomas a. Brown Jr., scheduled for July 14. Ruling today in the non-jury trial, Brown found Jackson guilty of Murder, Hindering Apprehension and weapons offenses, including Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon.

Assistant Prosecutor William Staas presented testimony indicating that Jackson shot Habib Bean, 32, multiple times just before 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003. Testimony further indicated Jackson and Bean were involved in an ongoing dispute over drug trafficking turf on Lakeshore Drive in South Camden. After the shooting, Jackson jumped on his bicycle and rode away, testimony indicated.

Acting Prosecutor Lynch commended Staas for his outstanding presentation of the State’s case, and also praised the work of the lead detectives, Senior Investigator Diane Wilson of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office and Camden Police Detective Isodoro Reyes.

“As has become apparent in recent years, much of the violence in Camden is directly or indirectly related to illegal drug trafficking,” Lynch stated. “We will continue to be aggressive in investigating and prosecuting these cases. Today’s decision will help make the city a safer place to live and raise children.”