A Watchung man was convicted of killing a teacher in East Orange in 2015, authorities said.
A jury trial before Judge Ronald Wigler found Andre Higgs, 45, guilty of murdering Latrena May, 27, a teacher at Pride Academy Charter School in East Orange. May and Higgs had a daughter, prosecutors said.
May and Higgs were arguing when she flagged down a patrol car. Higgs then shot May three times in front of police on the porch of her home in East Orange, prosecutors said. The officer shot Higgs in the legs.
“Hopefully, the conviction of this defendant will allow the May family to begin the healing process and give them a measure of comfort," said Assistant Prosecutor Justin Edwab.
The jury will return Friday for a second indictment against Higgs, which charges him with certain persons not to have a weapon and unlawful possession of a weapon, prosecutors said.
Higgs has five prior felony convictions. He faces 30 years to life when sentenced, said prosecutors. He is being held without bail.
