New York Man Guilty Of Aggravated Manslaughter In Atlantic City

The Atlantic County, New Jersey Prosecutor’s Office has obtained yet another major guilty plea — this time involving a New York man, who has pleaded guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter and Armed Robbery in Atlantic City.

The Guilty — Howard Griswold

Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office photo.

The Sentence

On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Howard Griswold, 26 years old, from Baldwinsville, New York pleaded guilty before New Jersey Superior Court Judge Christine Smith, to the following:

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

The plea agreement brings with a prison sentence of 25 years in New Jersey State Prison. Griswold is subject to the No Early Release Act. Griswold is required to serve 85% of his 25-year sentence before being eligible for parole.

Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Shares The Following Details

On January 20, 2024, 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 Griswold's co-defendant, Melissa Tikaram, 30, of Manlius, NY. 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.

NOTE: Tikaram's matter is still pending resolution.

Cooperative Effort

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

Assistant Prosecutor Despina Hess represents the State of New Jersey in this case.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 29, 2026, before New Jersey Superior Court Judge Christine Smith.

SOURCE: Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.