Man gets 25 years in South Jersey killing

A Lindenwold man who admitted he killed an innocent teenager during a drug dispute was sentenced this morning to 25 years in prison.

Derrick Jones, 27, appeared before U.S. District Judge Joel A. Pisano in federal court and apologized for his actions before learning his fate.

The judge noted Jones pleaded guilty and accepted responsibility for the 2005 slaying of 14-year-old Barry "Reese" Robertson, who was asleep on his aunt's couch when Jones fired several shots into the Lindenwold condominium.

Under a deal with prosecutors, Jones was facing 22 to 27 years in prison, and escaped the death penalty. The judge said he considered the victim's family and need for deterrence by imposing 25 years.