30 Years In Prison For Former Cop Convicted Of Murder In Gloucester County
WOODBURY, N.J., (CBS) -- A former Deptford cop will do 30 years in prison for the murder for his longtime friend three years ago.
James Stuart, a five year veteran of the Deptford force, was convicted last October in the death of 27-year-old David Compton, a death Stuart maintained was an accident following a night of drinking in his home.
Compton, an engineer who lived in Woodbury, was taken off life support after six days.
Judge David Becker merged the murder and aggravated manslaughter convictions before handing down the 30 year jail term, at the suggestion of the assistant prosecutor who handled the case. Stuart will not be eligible for parole.
"David Compton was a son, a father and a friend to many, whose life was senselessly and tragically cut short," Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean Dalton said in a press release. "It is our hope this sentence provides a measure of justice to his family and friends, who will mourn his loss for many years to come."