ATLANTIC CITY — A New York woman has pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter and armed robbery in connection with the 2024 shooting death of a 32-year-old Atlantic City man during a planned robbery.
Melissa Tikaram, 30, of Manlius, New York, pleaded guilty Wednesday to first-degree aggravated manslaughter and first-degree armed robbery, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.
Under the plea agreement, Tikaram is expected to receive an aggregate 15-year state prison sentence. She would be required to serve 85% of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole under New Jersey's No Early Release Act.
Tikaram admitted that she arranged a Jan. 20, 2024, meeting with Atlantic City resident Christian Hunter with the intention of robbing him with co-defendant Howard Griswold, 26, of Baldwinsville, New York.
Tikaram acknowledged that she knew Griswold had brought a gun to the planned robbery, prosecutors said.
During the theft, Griswold fired a handgun at Hunter, causing his death, according to Tikaram's admissions in court.
Tikaram also admitted driving Griswold away from the scene following the shooting.
Atlantic City police were called to North Virginia Avenue on Jan. 20, 2024, after a ShotSpotter alert detected two gunshots.
Officers found Hunter suffering from a gunshot wound. He later died from his injuries.
Investigators obtained surveillance video showing a Nissan Rogue leaving the area after the shooting. Authorities determined the vehicle had been rented by Tikaram.
Police also recovered two 9mm shell casings from the shooting scene.
According to prosecutors, microscopic examination determined that the casings had been fired from a Glock 9mm handgun that was later recovered from the vehicle rented by Tikaram.
Investigators also recovered photographs showing Griswold holding a handgun bearing the same serial number as the weapon recovered from the vehicle, prosecutors said.
Griswold previously pleaded guilty June 3 to first-degree aggravated manslaughter and first-degree armed robbery.
His plea agreement calls for a recommended 25-year state prison sentence, with 85% to be served before parole eligibility. Griswold is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 30.
Tikaram is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 13.
The case was investigated jointly by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit and Atlantic City Police Department.
Assistant Prosecutor Despina Hess represents the state.
