A Howell Township man who broke into a Jackson residence and opened fire while multiple adults and children were inside has been sentenced to state prison, authorities said.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Gardin A. Guevara-Umanzor, 47, was sentenced to seven years in New Jersey State Prison for burglary in connection with the October 13, 2024 incident. The sentence, imposed by Judge Kenneth T. Palmer, is subject to the No Early Release Act, requiring him to serve at least 85 percent before becoming eligible for parole.

Guevara-Umanzor also received concurrent sentences of five years for unlawful possession of a weapon, with a 42-month parole disqualifier, 18 months for aggravated assault, and four years on each of two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He was convicted on all charges following a four-week jury trial that concluded on January 29, 2026.

According to authorities, officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to a home on New Prospect Road at approximately 1:20 a.m. after a 911 call reported that Guevara-Umanzor had entered the residence and began firing a handgun. Multiple adults and two children were inside at the time.

Investigators determined that Guevara-Umanzor fired five shots into the home. During the incident, one occupant attempted to disarm him, resulting in a struggle on the ground as the weapon continued to be discharged. Other occupants also intervened before the suspect released the firearm and fled.

The weapon was recovered at the scene, and Guevara-Umanzor was located and apprehended at a neighboring residence without incident. He has remained lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his arrest.

The investigation was conducted by the Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau, New Jersey State Police, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

Billhimer credited Senior Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Veni and Assistant Prosecutor Emma Hurst, along with multiple law enforcement agencies, for their work on the case.