2006 Media Releases:

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

June 22, 2006

Acting Camden County Prosecutor James P. Lynch reported that a jury found a 28-year-old Camden man guilty today of two counts of Murder, one count of Attempted Murder and related charges stemming from a triple shooting in May 2002 in Camden, N.J.

Jose Agron, of the Northgate I apartments in North Camden, faces up to life in prison on each of the Murder counts when he is sentenced, scheduled for Aug. 25, 2006, before Superior Court Judge Samuel D. Natal. Because of prior convictions, Agron could face up to life on the Attempted Murder charge as well. The jury of seven women and five men also found the defendant guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Murder, weapons offenses and Hindering Apprehension.

Testimony presented at trial by Assistant Prosecutor Mary Alison Albright, Deputy Section Chief of the Homicide Unit of the Prosecutor’s Office, indicated that Agron and two co-defendants planned the attack to assert control of illegal drug sales at 6th and Vine streets in North Camden. Shortly after 9 p.m. on May 16, 2002, Agron and the co-defendants – his brother, Juan Salas, and Angel Mendoza, both of Camden – opened fire on the victims, according to testimony. At least 50 shots were fired.

Killed were Jabbar Lee, 24, and Richard S. Williams, 19, both of Camden. David C. Williams, now 23, was shot in the back but survived. He is also a Camden resident and is not related to Richard Williams.

Salas, 21, was found guilty of Murder at trial in March 2005, and is serving a 70-year sentence. Mendoza pleaded guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter in February 2005 and is serving a 25-year sentence.

Lynch commended Assistant Prosecutor Albright along with the lead detectives on the case, Senior Investigator John Greer and Camden Police Sgt. L.F. Ruiz, as well as Crime Scene Unit Investigator John Denmark of the Prosecutor’s Office.

“This case represents the insidious, persistent and deadly violence which accompany illegal drug distribution in the city,” Lynch stated. “I am pleased to commend Assistant Prosecutor Albright for her dedication, her skill and her commitment to justice. Together with the exceptional work by the homicide investigators, her efforts have successfully delivered a strong message that such unspeakable violence will not be tolerated.”