Ikei Harding, 27, is expected to receive a six-year prison sentence for the June 17, 2013 fatal shooting of Michael Drake in Newark
Ikei Harding NEWARK -- In what his attorney says was an act of revenge, a Newark man pleaded guilty on Tuesday to fatally shooting another man on a city street in 2013.
With jury selection set to begin in his trial, Ikei Harding, 27, pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter and unlawful possession of a weapon in connection with the June 17, 2013 killing of 21-year-old Michael Drake on Chadwick Avenue.
Harding had been charged with murder, conspiracy and weapons offenses.
Under a plea agreement, prosecutors are recommending a six-year prison sentence for Harding. He would have to serve slightly more than five years before becoming eligible for parole, and he will receive credit for nearly two years of time served.
His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 17 before Superior Court Judge Ronald Wigler.
Referring to the plea deal, Katherine Carter, spokeswoman for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, said on Tuesday in an email: "Given the facts and circumstances of the case we believed this was an appropriate resolution of the case."
Essex County Assistant Prosecutor Eric Plant has been handling the case.
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Harding's attorney, Brooke Barnett, said on Thursday in a phone interview that her client shot Drake, because Harding allegedly witnessed Drake shoot his best friend the day before. That shooting ultimately left the best friend paralyzed and wheelchair-bound, Barnett said.
"My client just witnessed something that nobody should witness and he reacted," Barnett said.
Barnett said Harding is "sorry and asks for forgiveness" for shooting Drake.
"He took responsibility for what he did," Barnett said. "That's why he pled guilty to the reckless manslaughter."
But Barnett added that "nobody's a winner," noting how Drake is dead, Harding's best friend will never be able to walk again and Harding "has to pay his debt to society."
"Everybody's life changed in the blink of an eye and the shot of a bullet," Barnett said.
Bill Wichert may be reached at bwichert@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BillWichertNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
