Joseph Grieco, a 38-year-old retired police officer from New Jersey, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for the fatal shooting of his husband, John Kelly, 44, also a former police officer. The incident occurred in 2023 in Vienna Township, and Grieco was found guilty of first-degree aggravated manslaughter in January.
The Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office announced the sentencing on Wednesday. The incident took place on the evening of July 25, 2023, when Grieco and Kelly, along with some friends, were drinking at a local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post. The group later continued the party at Grieco and Kelly’s residence.
During the gathering, Grieco began to handle a Gen4 Glock Model 23, despite warnings from others present that the firearm was loaded. Grieco was reportedly demonstrating how to kill a snake when the gun discharged, hitting Kelly in the torso. Kelly, a former New York City police officer, was rushed to the hospital by paramedics, but doctors were unable to save him.
Grieco will be required to serve at least 85% of his sentence before he is eligible for parole. The prosecution had initially sought a 20-year prison term, while the defense argued for a five-year sentence.
Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Sahil K. Kabse emphasized the importance of responsible gun ownership in a statement following the sentencing. He pointed out the tragic consequences that can result from a disregard for this responsibility.
Grieco and Kelly, who had been together for 14 years, met through a mutual friend. According to Kelly’s obituary, the couple had recently purchased a mountaintop property in New Jersey, bordering New York State, with plans to build their dream home. Kelly’s death was described in the obituary as a “tragic accident.”