A tragic case of domestic violence that unfolded in seconds—and in front of a police officer—has now reached its final chapter in court, more than a decade after it first shocked a New Jersey community.

Andre Higgs, 53, has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2015 murder of his ex-girlfriend, 27-year-old Latrena May, a teacher remembered by loved ones as dedicated and compassionate. The sentence comes after a second trial reaffirmed his guilt, bringing a long legal battle to a close.

According to details reported in coverage of the case, the fatal shooting occurred late at night on May 1, 2015, outside May’s home in East Orange. What began as a domestic dispute quickly escalated into a deadly confrontation.

Prosecutors say May ran from her home in an attempt to escape Higgs during the altercation. In a desperate effort to get help, she flagged down a passing police officer. But before she could be protected, violence struck.

As the officer exited his vehicle and moved toward the scene, Higgs allegedly opened fire, shooting May multiple times. The officer returned fire, striking Higgs in the legs, but the damage had already been done.

In a chilling turn, authorities say Higgs then retreated back into May’s home, where her young daughter—just 4 years old at the time—was inside. After barricading himself, he was eventually taken into custody.

The case initially resulted in a conviction and life sentence in 2017. However, that verdict was overturned in 2023 after the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that certain evidence related to the responding officer should have been made available to the defense. That decision led to a second trial, where witnesses once again took the stand to recount the events of that night.

Despite the retrial, the outcome remained unchanged. A jury once again found Higgs guilty on multiple charges, including first-degree murder and weapons offenses.

With the new sentencing, Higgs faces a 75-year term for the murder charge, along with an additional 20 years for related weapons violations. Under New Jersey law, he must serve at least 85% of his sentence—effectively ensuring he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Prosecutors credited the conviction to the courage of witnesses who came forward not once, but twice, to testify about what they saw. They also praised the actions of the responding officer, who attempted to intervene in a rapidly escalating and dangerous situation.

For May’s family, the sentencing marks the end of a painful and prolonged legal process—but not the end of their grief.

Those who knew her remember a young woman with a passion for teaching and a deep love for her family. Her death, they say, was not only a personal loss but a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and how quickly it can turn fatal.

While no court decision can undo what happened that night, officials hope the outcome provides some sense of justice—and underscores the seriousness of crimes rooted in abuse.

In the end, the case stands as both a legal conclusion and a sobering reminder: even in moments when help seems within reach, tragedy can unfold in an instant.