In a case that has sparked public outrage and raised questions about justice in violent crimes, a New Jersey man who shot another man in the face has been sentenced to just five years in state prison. The incident, which took place in Jackson Township in June 2024, left the 27-year-old victim seriously injured, but alive.
The shooter, 26-year-old Michael Vulpis of Freehold Borough, pleaded guilty to second-degree aggravated assault earlier this year. He was officially sentenced in May 2025 to five years in state prison. Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, Vulpis is required to serve at least 85% of his sentence — approximately four years and three months before becoming eligible for parole.
The Incident
The violent encounter unfolded on the night of June 27, 2024. According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the victim was sitting inside a parked vehicle on Larsen Road with a woman when a blue sedan suddenly blocked their car. Two men, one of them later identified as Vulpis, exited the sedan and approached.
When the victim stepped out of his vehicle, he was assaulted by the two men. During the altercation, Vulpis pulled out a gun and shot the victim in the face at close range. The attackers then fled the scene.
Miraculously, the victim survived and was rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment. He was later released, but details about the extent of his injuries and long-term impact were not disclosed publicly.
A Complicated Prosecution
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledged that the case was difficult to prosecute, mainly because the victim refused to cooperate with investigators and prosecutors.
“The lack of cooperation from the victim significantly hindered our ability to pursue more serious charges,” Billhimer stated. “While we believe a more severe sentence may have been justified given the nature of the crime, the legal burden of proof must still be met.”
The plea agreement with Vulpis was ultimately accepted to ensure some measure of accountability. Despite public sentiment that the sentence is too lenient for a shooting, Billhimer emphasized that proceeding to trial without victim testimony could have resulted in an acquittal.
Other Arrests and Charges
Vulpis is not the only individual charged in connection with the attack. Two other suspects — 24-year-old Noah Phelps of Monroe Township and 32-year-old Glenn Franzson of Jackson Township — are also facing legal consequences.
Phelps is believed to be the second attacker involved in the physical assault before the shooting. Franzson, meanwhile, has been charged with conspiracy and witness tampering. He allegedly attempted to pressure the victim into giving a false statement to investigators in an effort to protect Vulpis.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and pursue justice for all parties involved.
Community Response
The relatively short sentence has drawn criticism from some members of the public and victim advocacy groups, who argue that violent crimes involving firearms should carry harsher penalties, regardless of victim cooperation.
Legal experts note, however, that prosecutorial discretion is a key part of the justice system, particularly in cases where witnesses or victims are unwilling to testify. Prosecutors often have to balance the need for justice with the reality of what can be proven in court.
Legal Framework
Under New Jersey law, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is considered a second-degree crime and is punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison. The No Early Release Act mandates that individuals convicted of certain violent crimes serve at least 85% of their sentence before parole eligibility.
More information about New Jersey’s criminal statutes and sentencing guidelines can be found on the New Jersey Judiciary’s official website.