In January, Joseph Grieco, 38, was convicted of first-degree aggravated manslaughter in connection with the 2023 death of his husband, John Kelly, 44, in Vienna Township.
Grieco was given an 11-year prison sentence by a judge on Wednesday, according to a news statement from the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office.
The pair went out to drink at a nearby VFW on the evening of July 25, 2023, according to the prosecution. Grieco, Kelly, and guests continued the celebration in their house.
Grieco pulled out a Gen4 Glock Model 23 and began to tinker. Grieco was alerted by partygoers that the rifle was loaded.
According to NJ.com, Grieco was demonstrating how to kill a snake.
Kelly, a former New York City police officer, was hit in the torso by the revolver when it went off. After paramedics arrived, Kelly was taken to the hospital, where medical professionals declared him dead.
Grieco will not be eligible for parole until he has completed 85% of his sentence. The defense asked for five years in prison, while the prosecution sought a 20-year term.
“The sentencing by the Court underscores the importance of safe and responsible gun ownership and the deadly consequences that can occur should a person disregard this responsibility,” Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Sahil K. Kabse stated.
According to Kelly’s obituary, “the relationship quickly took shape” after she and Grieco met through a mutual friend. The 14-year-old pair had big aspirations for the future.
The obituary characterized Kelly’s death as a “tragic accident” and stated that “two years ago, John and Joe bought a New Jersey mountaintop property bordering New York State and began clearing the property with a plan to build their forever home.”
