State of New Jersey, Plaintiff-Respondent v. Kareem T. Tillery, A/k/a Kareem Ali Tillery, Kareem A. Tillery, Kareem…

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey affirmed the conviction and the twenty‑year extended‑term sentence, holding that any error in admitting the defendant's post‑arrest statement was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt and that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in applying aggravating factors, while expressing concern about the Miranda‑waiver card used. Justice Albin dissented, arguing the waiver was not proven and the error was not harmless; Chief Justice Rabner concurred in part and dissented in part on the waiver issue.