A violent career criminal who allegedly murdered his twin sister in New Jersey last week was released on bail earlier this year after shooting a bystander in the back during a running gun battle in Manhattan.
Jonathan D. Hagley, 26, is currently in the Bergen County Jail’s psychiatric ward following the fatal shooting of his twin sister, Naomi Hagley, in their family home in Teaneck. The incident occurred on Thursday, as reported by jail records and the county prosecutor’s office.
The motive behind the killing remains unclear. When police arrived at the suburban home near Manhattan, they discovered Naomi with three gunshot wounds, with the twins’ father stating that the shots came from Hagley’s handgun.
Hagley, the suspected shooter, was apprehended a few blocks away, and his pistol, a Glock 30S with the serial number scratched out, was found in the vicinity.
However, this was not Hagley’s first run-in with the law. Approximately eight months ago, he allegedly shot a man in the back during a gunfight in Harlem, according to the Bergen Record.
The incident took place on January 15 near Hagley’s apartment complex on West 136th Street. During a confrontation with two men, Hagley reportedly chased them and fired three rounds in a busy intersection, one of which struck a bystander in the spine.
Authorities recovered the weapon and magazine in the area where Hagley was apprehended. Despite being on parole at the time, Hagley faced charges of attempted murder, assault, and other offenses for the Harlem shooting.
Following a court hearing in Manhattan, where Hagley pleaded not guilty and was granted bail, he was released from custody. Unfortunately, eight months later, his twin sister fell victim to his violent actions.
Hagley is scheduled to appear in court in Manhattan and Bergen County for his charges. However, due to medical reasons, his attorney waived the recent hearing.
New Jersey prosecutors are seeking to detain Hagley until the conclusion of his trial. He will have another court appearance next week.
Hagley has a history of criminal behavior, including a previous conviction for aggravated assault, burglary, and weapons charges. His violent tendencies led to an assault charge while in jail awaiting trial.
Despite multiple appeals, Hagley remained incarcerated until his release from Bayside State Prison in November 2022.
