MAN KILLED NEAR PUBLIC HOUSING COMPLEX

New York officials reported that a parolee was killed on May 16 just a block away from he killed someone 17 years ago. Authorities said that there had not been a single homicide or shooting since 2015 at this particular location, which used to be riddled with crime.

The incident occurred on May 15 at the Queensbridge Houses in Long Island City at about 4:40 p.m. This public housing development consists of 96 buildings, making it the largest of its kind in the United States. According to authorities, it appeared that two gunmen were arguing with the parolee before shooting him in the chest. The 38-year-old man was taken to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery, but he did not survive and was pronounced dead at 5:30 a.m. the following morning.

At the scene, police found two parked cars that had bullet holes in them and a gun under a nearby vehicle. An unknown amount of crack cocaine was recovered from the parolee’s pants pocket. Police said they believed they knew the identity of one of the gunmen though they were not aware of his location.

People who are accused of being involved in violent crimes such as homicide could potentially face a lengthy period of incarceration if a conviction is obtained. However, a criminal defense attorney may be able to cast doubt on whether or not the defendant was actually involved, especially if the evidence is sparse and there are no eyewitnesses. In other cases, it might be argued that the act was committed in self-defense.

Source: New York Daily News, “Parolee’s shooting death at Queensbridge Houses ends long period of peace for the development“, Graham Rayman, May 17, 2017