In a quiet neighborhood in Orange, New Jersey, an act of kindness would tragically lead to a violent end for 55-year-old Renown Wilson. Having known James Height for years, Wilson had opened his home to him and even assisted him in finding employment. However, a disagreement soured their relationship, prompting Height to relocate to Salisbury, North Carolina.
The respite from this conflict was, however, short-lived.
Five months after his departure, Height returned to Orange with a calculated and deadly intent. On June 24, 2021, he lay in wait for Wilson outside of his home. When Wilson arrived, Height emerged and shot him in the stomach. As Wilson attempted to flee his attacker, Height pursued him and fired again, with a bullet grazing his neck. Wilson succumbed to his injuries on July 2, 2021.
Following the shooting, James Height fled back to Salisbury, North Carolina, but his escape from justice was temporary. He was later apprehended at his home there. The investigation and subsequent legal proceedings revealed a man undeterred by a previous lengthy prison sentence. At the time of the shooting, Height had only been out of state prison for about a year after serving 25 years for a prior aggravated manslaughter conviction.
In August 2023, a jury found James Height, then 54, guilty of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, unlawful possession of a gun, and possession of a gun for an unlawful purpose. He was later also convicted of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. For the fatal shooting of Renown Wilson, a man who had shown him compassion, James Height was sentenced to life in prison. An additional 10 years, with five years of parole ineligibility, was added to his sentence for the weapons conviction.
