State of New Jersey, Plaintiff-Appellant v. Manuel Perez, Defendant-Respondent

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey held that the State presented sufficient evidence for a reasonable jury to find the defendant guilty of both child luring and attempted child endangerment, reversing the Appellate Division and reinstating the convictions. The Court interpreted the child‑luring statute as requiring only an attempt to lure a child with a criminal purpose, and applied the substantial‑step requirement to the attempted child‑endangerment charge. Justice Zazzali concurred in the child‑luring holding but dissented from the attempted child‑endangerment holding, arguing the evidence did not establish a substantial step. The decision was issued for publication.