April 9, 2008: Today, a Morris County jury found George Melendez, age 61, of Mine Hill, guilty of:

One count of First Degree Murder
One count of Second Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
One count of Third Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon

The verdict followed a 7 day trial. The defendant faces a maximum possible custodial sentence of life in prison with 85% of parole ineligibility in New Jersey State Prison when he is sentenced on May 16, 2008.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., commended the efforts and trial preparation of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor John McNamara, Jr., Esq. and Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Tia Manochio, Esq.

Prosecutor Bianchi stated "This trial win sends a message to persons who commit senseless and violent acts in our county, that they will be aggressively prosecuted and that our office is ready, willing and able to bring them to justice in a court of law. Hopefully, this verdict can begin to heal the family of the victim. My special thanks to the Major Crimes Detectives of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Rockaway Township Police Department, Wharton Police Department, New Jersey State Police Department of Forensic Sciences and the Morris County Sheriff's Office for their collective effort in bringing about this result. I am proud of the partnership and the work that they do on behalf of the citizens of Morris County."

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio