Guilty: Aggravated Manslaughter & Armed Robbery In Atlantic City

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that a New York woman has pleaded guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter & Armed Robbery In Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Melissa Tikaram Pleads Guilty

Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office photo.

The Details

On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Melissa Tikaram, 30 years old, from Manlius, New York, pleaded guilty before New Jersey Superior Court Judge Pamela D'Arcy to:

first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter.
first-degree Armed Robbery.

The plea is for a sentence of 15 years in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the No Early Release Act.

Tikaram will be required to serve must 85% of the 15-year sentence before being eligible for parole.

Howard Griswold

Previously, on June 3, 2026, Griswold pleaded guilty before New Jersey Superior Court Judge Christine Smith to:

first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter.
first-degree Armed Robbery.

Griswold is scheduled to be sentenced on September 30, 2026.

His recommended sentence is 25 years in New Jersey State Prison — as with Tikaram, Griswold will fall under the No Early Release Act.

Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Has Shared The Following Case Facts

On January 20, 2024, officers from the Atlantic City Police Department responded to N. Virginia Avenue in reference to a Shot Spotter alert for two shots fired. Upon arrival, officers located Hunter suffering from a gunshot wound that ultimately caused his death. Surveillance footage captured a Nissan Rogue fleeing from the scene. That Rogue was identified as being rented by Melissa Tikaram. Officers recovered two 9mm shell casings on scene. Those casings were microscopically compared and identified as having been discharged from the Glock 9mm handgun that was ultimately recovered from the vehicle rented by Tikaram. Photographs were also recovered that captured images of Griswold holding the same handgun, bearing the same serial number as the handgun that was recovered, said the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.

It Was A Collaborative Effort

This investigation was a cooperative effort between the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office's Major Crimes Unit and the Atlantic City Police Department.

Atlantic County Assistant Prosecutor Despina Hess is representing the State in this case.