MAYS LANDING, NJ — On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Melissa Tikaram, 30, from Manlius, NY, pleaded guilty in front of the Honorable Pamela D’Arcy, P.J.Cr. to first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter and first-degree Armed Robbery. The plea calls for an aggregate sentence of 15 years in New Jersey State Prison subject to the No Early Release Act. Tikaram must serve 85% of her 15-year sentence before parole eligibility.
In pleading guilty, the Defendant admitted that on January 20, 2024, during a theft, her co-Defendant, Howard Griswold, 26, from Baldwinsville, NY, fired a handgun at the victim, Christian Hunter, 32, from Atlantic City, NJ and recklessly caused his death. Tikaram admitted that she arranged the meeting with Hunter with the intention to rob Hunter with Griswold. She admitted that she was aware that Griswold brought a gun with him to that set up. Tikaram also admitted that she drove Griswold away from the scene after he shot the victim.
Previously, on June 3, 2026, Griswold pleaded guilty in front of the Honorable Christine Smith, J.S.C. to first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter and first-degree Armed Robbery. His sentencing is currently scheduled for September 30, 2026. His recommended sentence is 25 years in New Jersey State Prison subject to the No Early Release Act. Griswold must serve 85% of his 25-year sentence before parole eligibility.
On January 20, 2024, officers from the Atlantic City Police Department responded to N. Virginia Avenue in reference to a Shot Spotter alert for two shots fired. Upon arrival, officers located Hunter suffering from a gunshot wound that ultimately caused his death. Surveillance footage captured a Nissan Rogue fleeing from the scene. That Rogue was identified as being rented by Melissa Tikaram. Officers recovered two 9mm shell casings on scene. Those casings were microscopically compared and identified as having been discharged from the Glock 9mm handgun that was ultimately recovered from the vehicle rented by Tikaram. Photographs were also recovered that captured images of Griswold holding the same handgun, bearing the same serial number as the handgun that was recovered.
The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes Unit and the Atlantic City Police Department.
Tikaram’s sentencing is scheduled for October 13, 2026, before the Honorable Christine Smith, J.S.C.
Assistant Prosecutor Despina Hess represents the State in this matter.
Photo: Melissa Tikaram and Howard Griswold.
Woman pleads guilty in fatal Atlantic City robbery and shooting
