Orange, NJ, Man Gets Life in Prison For Fatally Shooting His Friend

A North Jersey man who is no stranger to being behind bars has now been been sentenced to life in prison for fatally shooting his friend two years ago.

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office says this past summer, a jury found 54-year-old James Height of Orange guilty of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree unlawful possession of a gun, and second-degree possession of a gun for an unlawful purpose. He was also convicted in a subsequent proceeding of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

The crimes occurred on June 24th, 2021, when Height waited outside of the home of 55-year-old Renown Wilson in Orange.

When Wilson arrived home, Height shot Wilson in the stomach; after a short chase, he shot Wilson again, grazing his neck.

Prosecutor's say Wilson had known Height for years and had allowed him to stay at his home and helped him find a job.

After an argument, however, Height relocated to Salisbury, North Carolina. Five months after moving out, Height returned and shot Wilson. He returned to Salisbury, where he was apprehended at home.

Wilson died from his injuries on July 2nd, 2021.

No stranger to prison

At the time of the shooting, Height had been out of state prison for about a year after serving 25 years for aggravated manslaughter.

Assistant Prosecutor F. Garnes, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Arrianna Diamantis, said in a statement,

This senseless crime brought unnecessary suffering to Wilson’s family and friends, who can now rest easier knowing that Height will never hurt them again.

Diamantis continued, "Video of the crime showed how calculated it was, and justice has certainly been served."