Ana Megawati
East Orange, New Jersey – Andre Higgs, 53, has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal 2015 murder of his ex-girlfriend, Latrena May, a beloved 27-year-old teacher at Pride Academy Charter School. The sentencing, which came on Friday following a second jury conviction in late December 2025, marks the culmination of a decade-long pursuit of justice in a case that drew national attention due to its harrowing circumstances and a significant legal appeal that led to a retrial. Higgs’ conviction and subsequent life sentence underscore the persistent challenges of domestic violence and the intricate workings of the American justice system, particularly concerning police conduct and defendants’ rights.
The tragic events unfolded on the night of May 1, 2015, outside May’s residence on Tremont Avenue in East Orange, a vibrant suburb of New York City. According to prosecutors from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the evening began with an argument between Higgs and May, a former couple whose relationship had reportedly been volatile. As the dispute escalated, May, in a desperate attempt to escape the altercation, fled her home. Her flight was not unnoticed; as fate would have it, an East Orange Police Department vehicle, driven by Detective Kemon Lee, was patrolling the area. May, seeing the police car as her only immediate hope for safety, frantically flagged down the officer.
What transpired next was a scene of unimaginable horror. As Detective Lee exited his vehicle and began to approach May, attempting to intervene in what appeared to be a domestic dispute, Higgs launched his fatal attack. Without hesitation, Higgs opened fire, discharging multiple shots at May in full view of the responding officer. The swift and brutal nature of the assault left May with no chance of survival. Detective Lee, witnessing the unfolding tragedy, immediately returned fire, striking Higgs in the legs in an attempt to neutralize the threat. Higgs, injured but still mobile, then retreated into May’s home, where her then four-year-old daughter was asleep inside. He barricaded himself within the residence, initiating a tense standoff with law enforcement that ultimately led to his arrest.
Latrena May: A Life of Dedication and Promise
Latrena May was more than just a victim; she was a dedicated educator whose life was tragically cut short. At 27, she was a respected teacher at Pride Academy Charter School in East Orange, where she was known for her passion for education and her profound impact on her students. Colleagues and former students remember May as a bright, enthusiastic, and compassionate individual who genuinely cared about the well-being and academic success of the children she taught. Her commitment extended beyond the classroom, often involving herself in school community events and serving as a mentor to many young minds. Her untimely death sent shockwaves through the school and the wider East Orange community, leaving a void that was deeply felt by those who knew her. The school held memorials in her honor, and her loss served as a poignant reminder of the pervasive issue of domestic violence and its far-reaching consequences. Her legacy, however, continues to inspire, embodying the spirit of dedication to youth and education.
The Initial Conviction and an Unprecedented Legal Challenge
Higgs was first brought to justice in 2017, just two years after May’s murder. Following a trial in Essex County, he was convicted of her murder and subsequently sentenced to life in prison. At the time, the verdict brought a measure of relief to May’s grieving family and the East Orange community, signaling that justice had been served. However, the legal journey for Andre Higgs was far from over.
In a significant development that would ultimately lead to a retrial, the New Jersey Supreme Court overturned Higgs’ 2017 conviction in 2023. The High Court’s decision was rooted in a critical legal principle concerning defendants’ rights to a fair trial and access to potentially exculpatory evidence. Specifically, the justices found that Higgs’ defense attorneys should have been granted access to Detective Kemon Lee’s "internal affairs file." This file, which contained records of prior incidents where the officer had discharged his weapon while on duty, was deemed relevant by the Supreme Court. The court ruled that the defense should have had the opportunity to review this file and question Detective Lee about these prior incidents during cross-examination.
The legal reasoning behind the Supreme Court’s decision centered on the constitutional right to confront witnesses and present a full defense, as established in cases like Brady v. Maryland. The court posited that information regarding Detective Lee’s past use of force could potentially have been used by the defense to challenge his credibility, his perception of events, or his actions on the night of May 1, 2015, even if subtly. This ruling set a crucial precedent, emphasizing the importance of transparency in police internal affairs investigations and ensuring that defense teams have access to all potentially relevant information that could impact a trial’s outcome. While not directly implying misconduct on Detective Lee’s part in the May case, the principle ensures that a defendant’s right to explore all avenues of defense is protected. This overturning meant that Higgs would be granted a rare second chance at trial, sending the case back to Essex County for a new jury to hear the evidence.
The Second Trial: Justice Reaffirmed
Despite the lengthy legal battle and the complexities introduced by the Supreme Court’s ruling, the second trial for Andre Higgs ultimately led to a materially similar outcome. In late December 2025, after hearing testimony and reviewing evidence, a new jury in Essex County once again found Higgs guilty of the murder of Latrena May. The charges on which he was convicted were comprehensive, reflecting the severity and multiple facets of his criminal actions: murder in the first degree, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, first-degree unlawful possession of a handgun by a person who has previously been convicted of a crime under the No Early Release Act (NERA), and second-degree certain persons not to have weapons.
Prosecutor Justin Edwab, who had been deeply involved in both trials, emphasized the perseverance required to secure the second conviction. "This second conviction for murder for Andre Higgs was possible only because of the brave witnesses who once again came forward to testify about the defendant’s callous actions," Edwab stated, highlighting the emotional toll and civic courage required for witnesses to relive such a traumatic event. He also reiterated the heroism of Detective Kemon Lee, whose swift response, though unable to save May, was crucial in confronting the assailant. "As we said in 2017 and repeat today, Detective Kemon Lee was a hero that day for responding to Latrena May and attempting to save her from the grip of her abuser," Edwab affirmed, acknowledging the detective’s bravery under extreme duress.
Sentencing and the No Early Release Act (NERA)
On Friday, Andre Higgs faced the court for his final sentencing. For the murder charge, he received a life sentence, which in New Jersey is defined as a 75-year term. In addition to this, he was handed a concurrent 20-year sentence for the related weapons charges. The cumulative effect of these sentences, particularly the murder conviction, means that Higgs will likely spend the remainder of his natural life incarcerated.
A significant factor in Higgs’ sentencing and future eligibility for release is New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA). This stringent law, enacted to ensure that violent offenders serve a substantial portion of their sentences, mandates that individuals convicted of certain first and second-degree violent crimes must serve 85 percent of their imposed sentence before becoming eligible for parole. For Higgs’ 75-year murder conviction, this translates to nearly 64 years that he must serve before he can even be considered for release. Given his current age of 53, this legal provision effectively ensures that Andre Higgs will die in prison, a consequence that prosecutors hope brings a measure of closure to the May family.
The Broader Shadow of Domestic Violence
The tragic case of Latrena May serves as a stark and painful reminder of the pervasive issue of domestic violence. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), an average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners per minute in the United States, equating to more than 10 million women and men annually. In New Jersey, statistics from organizations like the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEDV) consistently show thousands of domestic violence incidents reported each year, with many more believed to go unreported. Homicides stemming from domestic disputes, like May’s, represent the most extreme and irreversible outcome of this societal problem.
Domestic violence cases often present unique challenges for law enforcement and the justice system. Victims frequently face immense psychological barriers, fear of retaliation, and economic dependence, which can make it difficult to leave abusive relationships or testify against their abusers. The presence of a child, as in May’s case, adds another layer of complexity and tragedy. Advocacy groups across New Jersey and the nation continuously work to raise awareness, provide support services, and push for stronger legal protections for victims. They emphasize the critical importance of early intervention, accessible resources such, as hotlines and shelters, and community vigilance in identifying and reporting signs of abuse. The hope is that through continued education and support, similar tragedies can be prevented, and victims can find pathways to safety and healing.
Community Impact and Enduring Legacy
The reverberations of Latrena May’s murder and the subsequent legal proceedings have been deeply felt throughout East Orange. For Pride Academy Charter School, the loss of a vibrant young teacher was not just a tragedy but a call to reinforce a culture of safety and support for its community. While the pain of her absence remains, the school and community continue to honor her memory through their dedication to education and fostering a safe environment.
For the May family, the decade-long journey through the justice system has undoubtedly been arduous, marked by immense grief and the emotional toll of two trials. Prosecutor Justin Edwab acknowledged this profound suffering in his comments following the sentencing. "While no sentence can bring back Latrena May, we hope that knowing Higgs will spend the rest of his life in prison provides the May family with some measure of peace and serves as a solemn acknowledgment of their profound loss," Edwab conveyed, recognizing that true solace is often elusive in such circumstances but that accountability is a crucial component of justice.
The case of Andre Higgs and Latrena May stands as a testament to the resilience of the judicial process, even when faced with significant legal hurdles. It also serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the ongoing efforts required from law enforcement, legal professionals, community advocates, and citizens alike to protect the vulnerable and ensure that justice, though sometimes delayed, is ultimately served.
Eva Lovia
admin
Lina Irawan