Atlantic City, NJ, Man is Guilty of First-Degree Attempted Murder

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that an Atlantic City, New Jersey man has pled guilty to first-degree attempted murder.

Atlantic County Prosecutor Will Reynolds has been very successful in obtaining guilty pleas in major cases.

This is a winning philosophy, because it ensures a guilty verdict, without the expense and risk of a trial.

About their latest guilty plea, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office said:

On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, Francisco Bonilla, 35, of Atlantic City, NJ, pleaded guilty to first-degree Attempted Murder in front of the Honorable Joseph Levin, J.S.C. The recommended sentence is 15 years in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the No Early Release Act, meaning that the defendant will have to serve 85% of his sentence before being eligible for parole. On February 3, 2024, Atlantic City police were dispatched to the Cedar Market at 101 N Rhode Island Avenue in reference to a stabbing. The investigation revealed that the victim, Emad Wissa, 39, was stabbed by the defendant multiple times and the incident was captured on surveillance video.

Assistant Prosecutor Marlaina Mutchko is representing the State of New Jersey in this case.

Additionally, sentencing of Bonilla is scheduled for April 4, 2025, before Judge Levin.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office actively seeks the public’s assistance to grip them solve crimes, saying:

“Anyone with information about this case or other serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Major Crime Unit at 609-909-7666 or go to the Prosecutor's Office Website at ACPO. Tips and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page,” said the ACPO.

“People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County,” said the ACPO.

SOURCE: Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.