Trenton Police Arrest Two Men On Murder and Robbery Charges
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of a May 4 murder in Trenton. Patrick McFarlane, 19, and Roderick Armstrong, 20, were arrested in connection with the murder of 44-year-old Richard Mason who was shot and killed at the corner of Kirkbride Avenue and New Willow Street during an alleged robbery, according to this ABC News report. Both McFarlane and Armstrong now face murder, robbery and other charges and each is being held on $500,000 bail.
Of all the violent crime charges in New Jersey, murder is probably the single, most serious crime with the gravest consequences. According to New Jersey state law 2 C: 11-3, a criminal homicide constitutes murder when the person committing the act deliberately “caused death or serious bodily injury resulting in death.” A defendant is charged with murder when prosecutors seek to prove that the defendant “intended to kill” the purported victim.
Murder can be committed by someone acting alone or by two or more people as it is alleged in this case. This incident apparently occurred when a robbery was in progress. The consequences for these violent crimes are extremely serious and could include a lengthy prison sentence, possibly life in prison. A crime sentence usually depends on the nature and severity of a crime. Other mitigating factors are considered at sentencing as well.
Evidence – physical or circumstantial – and the defense are two factors that will probably determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant. It takes an experienced criminal defense attorney to sift through the evidence in a complex murder case. It takes a knowledgeable New Jersey assault crime attorney to build up a strong defense and find loopholes in the prosecution’s case. At Lependorf & Silverstein, we handle each and every case with great care and determination. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges in New Jersey, please call us today. Your life could depend on it.
