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South Jersey Man Sentenced For Fatal Shooting During Burglary

MAYS LANDING, N.J. (AP) — A southern New Jersey man has been sentenced to 24 years in state prison for killing a man during a house burglary two years ago.

Atlantic County prosecutors say Bernard Green, of Lower Township, must serve at least 20 years of the term imposed Friday before he becomes eligible for parole.

The 33-year-old Green had pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in the November 2012 shooting of 44-year-old Christopher Turner, a married man with six children and stepchildren and five grandchildren.

Authorities have said Green shot Turner four times with a .40-caliber handgun. They say he has a lengthy criminal history and had been released from prison just weeks before the deadly shooting.

The Press of Atlantic City reports that Green became emotional during the sentencing and offered the victim's family an apology.

"I don't know where or how to begin. I am truly sorry for the pain I caused," he said. "I made a bad decision to go to that house with a gun. It was never my intention to kill anyone, let alone hurt anyone. I am so sorry. ... God, forgive me. In time, I hope you will, too," he said.

Green has been arrested 24 times for various charges, including aggravated assault.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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