Egg Harbor City Man Sentenced To 30 Years For Attempted Murder

MAYS LANDING, NJ — An Egg Harbor City man has been sentenced to prison in connection with multiple violent incidents that took place in Atlantic City in 2019, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Cary Shill said Monday.

Robert Harrell, 34, was sentenced on Friday to 30 years in state prison for attempted murder and he must serve 85 percent of the sentence. Harrell was also sentenced to a consecutive 20-year sentence for the first degree robbery charge and he must serve 85 percent of that sentence.

On Jan. 1, 2019, a suspect, already wanted for a shooting, was arrested after stabbing a man during a robbery attempt, Shill said. Harrell was arrested without incident by Atlantic City police in the 3000 block of Pacific Avenue.

Harrell, who was in possession of a knife, was identified as the suspect in two violent incidents over two days, according to Shill.

At 8:39 pm, patrol officers responded to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus, in reference to a stabbing victim. The victim was driven to the medical center after being stabbed at Georgia and Pacific Avenues. Harrell attempted to steal a woman’s purse when the victim intervened, Shill said.

After tackling Harrell off the woman, Harrell stabbed him and fled the scene. Officers were able to obtain a description of Harrell and his direction of flight and he was arrested by police shortly afterwards at the Econo Lodge, Shill said.

Harrell was wanted following an investigation into a shooting on Dec. 31, 2018. At 9:07 p.m., patrol officers responded to the Econo Lodge in the 3000 block of Pacific Avenue for a report of a man shot.

The victim was shot multiple times in the face and chest, and then transported to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center City Campus with serious injuries, Shill said.

He was later transferred to Cooper University Hospital in Camden where he survived his injuries. An investigation by detectives of the Atlantic City Police Violent Crimes Unit led to charges and a warrant being issued for Harrell’s arrest for shooting the victim.

During a jury trial before Superior Court Judge Patricia Wild, Harrell was found guilty on Aug. 10 of the following counts:

• 1st Degree Attempted Murder
• 1st Degree Armed Robbery
• 2nd Degree Aggravated Assault
• 2nd Degree Possession of a Firearm for Unlawful Purpose
• 2nd Degree Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
• 1st Degree Armed Robbery
• 2nd Degree Aggravated Assault
• 3rd Degree Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose
• 3rd Degree Unlawful
• 2nd Degree Certain Person not to Possess a Firearm
• 4th Degree Certain Person not to Possess a Weapon

Harrell was found not guilty on a 3rd degree theft by unlawful taking charge.

Atlantic County Assistant Prosecutor Louis A. Casadia represents the state in this matter.

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