The Unyielding Pursuit of Justice: Four Sentenced for Shooting of NJ State Police Detective

In a gripping tale of bravery and resilience, four individuals have been sentenced for their roles in the 2020 shooting of New Jersey State Police Detective Richard Hershey, an incident that sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and tested the mettle of justice. The confrontation unfolded on April 25, 2020, at the Harding Woods mobile home park in Pittsgrove, Salem County, during an investigation into a brutal home invasion and robbery.

A Hero in the Line of Fire

Detective Hershey, a seasoned officer renowned for his unwavering dedication to duty, found himself at the center of a chaotic scene. As he investigated the violent home invasion, a caravan of 15 people arrived, allegedly intent on attacking a resident connected to the earlier crime. Despite identifying himself as law enforcement and issuing clear commands, Hershey was met with defiance. Three men—Tremaine Hadden, Najzeir "Naz" Hutchings, and Kareen "Kai" Warner—opened fire on him, with Hadden firing a staggering 11 rounds alone. In a moment that would define his courage, Hershey was struck in the hip but managed to return fire before being hospitalized. His bravery not only saved his life but also prevented further escalation.

Justice Delivered

The legal proceedings culminated in significant sentences for those directly involved in the shooting. Hadden, identified as the primary shooter, was convicted in May 2023 and sentenced to 37 years in prison—a stark reminder of the consequences of such violent actions. Hutchings and Warner both pleaded guilty to aggravated assault; Hutchings received a 13-year sentence, while Warner was sentenced to seven years. These sentences reflect the gravity of their crimes and the seriousness with which the justice system views such acts of violence against law enforcement.

In addition to these sentences, four other individuals who played supporting roles in the events leading up to the shooting were sentenced on April 1, 2025. Markese Rogers, 30, was sentenced to five years in state prison for conspiracy to commit aggravated assault. Noel Lazu, 25, and Imari Lazu, 27, each received three-year prison terms for similar charges. Ashley Acevedo Diaz, 27, was sentenced to two years of probation with a nine-month county jail term for her involvement.

A Message of Accountability and Unity

The case was prosecuted by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, highlighting the strength of unity and cooperation in the pursuit of justice. The investigation revealed that the group had arrived at the mobile home park armed with weapons, intent on causing harm and damage. However, their actions ultimately led to a violent confrontation with Detective Hershey, underscoring the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.

As the legal process concludes with the sentencing of these individuals, it serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the justice system and the bravery of officers like Detective Hershey. The upcoming sentencing of a fifth defendant, Shakeem Waters, marks another step towards closure for this violent episode, reinforcing the message that justice, though sometimes slow, is always relentless in its pursuit of accountability.

Conclusion

This story is a testament to the unyielding spirit of law enforcement and the unwavering commitment to justice. It highlights the importance of collaboration between agencies and the community in ensuring that those who threaten public safety are held accountable. As the community moves forward, it does so with a renewed sense of hope and trust in the justice system, knowing that even in the face of danger, justice will prevail.

In a gripping tale of bravery and resilience, four individuals have been sentenced for their roles in the 2020 shooting of New Jersey State Police Detective Richard Hershey, an incident that sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and tested the mettle of justice. The confrontation unfolded on April 25, 2020, at the Harding Woods mobile home park in Pittsgrove, Salem County, during an investigation into a brutal home invasion and robbery.

A Hero in the Line of Fire

Detective Hershey, a seasoned officer renowned for his unwavering dedication to duty, found himself at the center of a chaotic scene. As he investigated the violent home invasion, a caravan of 15 people arrived, allegedly intent on attacking a resident connected to the earlier crime. Despite identifying himself as law enforcement and issuing clear commands, Hershey was met with defiance. Three men—Tremaine Hadden, Najzeir "Naz" Hutchings, and Kareen "Kai" Warner—opened fire on him, with Hadden firing a staggering 11 rounds alone. In a moment that would define his courage, Hershey was struck in the hip but managed to return fire before being hospitalized. His bravery not only saved his life but also prevented further escalation.

Justice Delivered

The legal proceedings culminated in significant sentences for those directly involved in the shooting. Hadden, identified as the primary shooter, was convicted in May 2023 and sentenced to 37 years in prison—a stark reminder of the consequences of such violent actions. Hutchings and Warner both pleaded guilty to aggravated assault; Hutchings received a 13-year sentence, while Warner was sentenced to seven years. These sentences reflect the gravity of their crimes and the seriousness with which the justice system views such acts of violence against law enforcement.

In addition to these sentences, four other individuals who played supporting roles in the events leading up to the shooting were sentenced on April 1, 2025. Markese Rogers, 30, was sentenced to five years in state prison for conspiracy to commit aggravated assault. Noel Lazu, 25, and Imari Lazu, 27, each received three-year prison terms for similar charges. Ashley Acevedo Diaz, 27, was sentenced to two years of probation with a nine-month county jail term for her involvement.

A Message of Accountability and Unity

The case was prosecuted by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, highlighting the strength of unity and cooperation in the pursuit of justice. The investigation revealed that the group had arrived at the mobile home park armed with weapons, intent on causing harm and damage. However, their actions ultimately led to a violent confrontation with Detective Hershey, underscoring the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.

As the legal process concludes with the sentencing of these individuals, it serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the justice system and the bravery of officers like Detective Hershey. The upcoming sentencing of a fifth defendant, Shakeem Waters, marks another step towards closure for this violent episode, reinforcing the message that justice, though sometimes slow, is always relentless in its pursuit of accountability.

Conclusion

This story is a testament to the unyielding spirit of law enforcement and the unwavering commitment to justice. It highlights the importance of collaboration between agencies and the community in ensuring that those who threaten public safety are held accountable. As the community moves forward, it does so with a renewed sense of hope and trust in the justice system, knowing that even in the face of danger, justice will prevail.