According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Superior Court Presiding Judge Mark S. Ali has sentenced James Height to life in prison for the fatal shooting of an Orange, New Jersey man. On August 9, 2023, 54-year-old James Height was found guilty of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree unlawful possession of a gun, and second-degree possession of a gun for an unlawful purpose. In a subsequent proceeding, Height was convicted of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

Judge Ali ordered that the certain persons sentence run consecutive to the life sentence. That will add 10 years with five years’ parole ineligible to Height’s time in prison. The crimes occurred on June 24, 2021. Height allegedly waited outside Renown Wilson’s home in Orange. When Wilson arrived home, Height reportedly shot him in the stomach before chasing him and shooting him again. The second shot grazed his neck. Wilson had known Height for years and allowed him to stay with him and helped him find a job.

Following an argument, Height relocated to Salisbury, North Carolina. Five months after he moved out, Height reportedly returned and shot Wilson. After returning to Salisbury, Height was apprehended at home. Wilson passed away from his injuries on July 2, 2021, according to a press release from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Height had been out of prison for approximately a year after serving 25 years for aggravated manslaughter at the time of the shooting.