A Bergen County courtroom was filled with emotion as Aaron Sierra, a Bergenfield resident, was sentenced to nine years in state prison for a 2023 shooting that left a 20-year-old woman permanently paralyzed. Superior Court Judge Vincent Militello did not mince words, calling Sierra’s actions “cowardly” as he handed down a sentence that exceeded the defense’s seven-year request.
The May 2023 shooting, which occurred during an argument, involved Sierra firing four shots at the victim with a stolen firearm. He fled the scene and remained on the run for weeks before being captured at his grandparents' apartment in New York City.
In a powerful and emotional victim impact statement, the now-paralyzed young woman detailed the devastating toll the attack has had on her life. She described relearning how to speak, living with multiple scars and injuries, and coming to terms with the many physical abilities she has lost.
Bergen County Prosecutor Christine Howland said the victim’s injuries included fractured ribs and a spinal vertebra, with doctors confirming that her paralysis is permanent. She emphasized that Sierra prioritized self-preservation over accountability, hiding for months with the help of his mother, Wendalis Sierra.
Aaron Sierra pleaded guilty in January to second-degree aggravated assault and third-degree hindering apprehension as part of a plea deal. He originally faced more severe charges, including attempted murder, obstruction of justice, and multiple weapon offenses.
His mother, Wendalis Sierra, was also sentenced after pleading guilty to hindering his arrest. Prosecutors revealed she gave her son food, money, and a new cellphone, and delayed calling the police until after he fled. She also failed to inform detectives of his whereabouts, despite multiple opportunities to do so.
She received 364 days in jail and five years of probation, and issued an apology in court: “My first instinct was to protect my son… but I should have told the police where he was.”
The courtroom was filled with heartbreak and outrage as family members of the victim spoke directly to Sierra, describing the betrayal and anguish they now live with daily. One particularly emotional moment came when the victim’s uncle reminded Sierra of a broken promise — that he would look after his niece.
“You will walk out,” the uncle said. “And I tell you, I will be ready.”
Judge Militello urged the family not to blame themselves. “You can’t protect her from all the evil in this world,” he said. “You can just do your best as a human being.”
While Sierra and his mother have now been criminally sentenced, the victim’s journey is far from over. As she faces a lifetime of medical care, rehabilitation, and permanent disability, civil legal remedies may offer an additional path toward justice and financial recovery.
Victims of gun violence may file civil lawsuits to pursue compensation for:
Medical bills and future treatment
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma
Lost income and diminished earning capacity
Costs of home modification and accessibility tools
Punitive damages in cases involving egregious conduct
In situations where others — such as family members or landlords — knowingly aid fugitives or obstruct justice, civil claims for negligent or intentional wrongdoing may also be pursued.
At Haggard Crime Victim Attorney, we fight for survivors of violent crime who suffer life-altering injuries due to the reckless and criminal actions of others. From gun violence to negligent security to aiding offenders, we explore every legal avenue to hold the responsible parties fully accountable.
If you or a loved one has been paralyzed, seriously injured, or otherwise harmed in a shooting or violent assault, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Our team of experienced attorneys is here to help you secure justice, compensation, and closure.
We offer free consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis — meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Contact Haggard Crime Victim Attorney today to discuss your legal rights and start your path to recovery.
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