New Jersey Cop Killer Sentenced To Consecutive 30-Year Prison Terms
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- There was emotional testimony and new developments on Friday in the sentencing hearing for man convicted of killing a New Jersey police officer four years ago.
CBS2's Steve Langford was in court for the judge's decision.
Officer William Johnson was picking up dinner when he was killed in a drive-by shooting in 2011.
Newly released surveillance video shows Johnson, who was off duty, stopping by to order what would be the last slice of pizza of his life. A barrage of bullets from a carjacked vehicle outside suddenly sends everyone running for their lives. Officer Johnson, who was on his way to work a second job, took a bullet and died shortly after, Langford reported.
At his sentencing Friday afternoon, Rasul McNeil-Thomas, 23 -- who was convicted in February -- accepted no responsibility for what happened. He offered no words of comfort to Johnson's grieving family. The slain officer's 15-year-old daughter spoke briefly before the court.
"I don't hate him because my parents taught me not to hate but to have forgiveness, and I forgive Rasul, which some people might not understand," Tiyana Johnson said.
McNeil-Thomas was convicted on a dozen charges ranging from carjacking to aggravated manslaughter to attempted murder, in a shooting that somehow spared a baby in a stroller, Langford reported.
Essex County Court Judge Robert Gardner sentenced McNeil-Thomas to consecutive 30-year prison terms -- a total of 60 years.
As the convicted cop killer was escorted away he flashed a big smile back to his family, Langford reported. Outside the courtroom, the killer's family refused to speak.
The prosecutor said McNeil-Thomas should be 74 years old before he's even eligible for parole, Langford reported.
The defense attorney for McNeil-Thomas said he would appeal the conviction.