North Jersey man sentenced to 25 years in prison for fatal shooting in 2022.
A 34-year-old man from New Jersey has been sentenced to 25 years in prison following a fatal shooting incident that occurred in Rahway in 2022, as confirmed by the Union County Prosecutor’s office. Brandan Melford entered a guilty plea earlier this year for his involvement in the death of 44-year-old Jack Harris, a resident of Roselle, approximately 20 miles southwest of Central Park.
The shooting took place on November 12, 2022, when Harris was discovered shot to death on the street in Rahway. Melford was apprehended two days following the incident, an event that has deeply affected the local community. In delivering the sentence, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel expressed hope that the legal outcome would offer a sense of assurance to the victim’s family and to the broader community. Daniel emphasized the commitment of the authorities to address and eradicate such “egregious offenses” and pledged their continued efforts in bringing offenders to justice.
Initially, Melford faced serious charges that included murder and two weapon-related offenses. However, on June 27, 2025, he reached a plea agreement that resulted in the most serious charge being reduced to aggravated manslaughter. His sentencing took place on September 5, and under New Jersey legislation, Melford will be required to serve a minimum of 85 percent of his sentence. This amounts to approximately 21 years and three months behind bars.
Details surrounding the relationship between Melford and Harris have not been disclosed by prosecutors, nor has any motive been established or released to the public. It is notable that incidents of gun violence in Rahway, which has a population of around 30,000, are relatively uncommon. The only other reported shooting in 2025 occurred on July 19, when law enforcement discovered a live 9mm round and what appeared to be blood in a driveway. However, no suspects or victims were identified in connection with that evidence.
With the community reeling from this incident, the conviction of Brandan Melford serves as a testament to the local law enforcement’s resolve to combat gun violence and ensure public safety.
