GUILTY NJ - Alishia Colon, 16, shot dead in her Kearny home, 17 Jan 2013

A 16-year-old girl was shot dead in Thursday night, but first hid her 7-year-old little brother, likely saving his life.

Authorities in Kearney, New Jersey don't yet know who shot Alishia Colon in the head, killing her in her own bedroom, but what seems sure is that Colon is a hero, having made the lifesaving decision to hide her little brother to protect him from her killer.

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The investigation led to the arrests of Cruz Martinez Jr., 43, of Hazleton, Pa., as well as Eric L. Shelton, 21, of Orange, Lamar D. Farrar, 24, of East Orange, and Kyeeth L. Smith, 23, of Willingboro...

Shelton has pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary and second-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated assault. Each count carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, officials said.

Farrar already pleaded guilty to second-degree unlawful possession of a gun and second-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated assault. Each count carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, officials said.

Smith, the getaway driver, pleaded guilty to second-degree unlawful possession of a gun and hindering apprehension. He faces up 10 years in prison on the weapons offense and up to five years on the hindering apprehension count, Rozzi said.

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A Hazleton man has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of murdering a 16-year-old New Jersey girl in 2013 as she sat on a bed watching television with her 7-year-old brother after a brawl that involved a family member.

Cruz Martinez, 44, whose last known address was West 14th Street, Hazleton, was convicted in May of the murder of Alishia Colon and sentenced on Friday in Hudson County, New Jersey.

Martinez, who continues to maintain his innocence, shot the teen in the face as she pled for her life, according to witnesses. He will have to wait 53 years before he is eligible for parole.

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