The community of Brooklyn is saddened to hear that a 40-year-old father and community member was tragically shot to death at around 1 A.M. in the basement of a building. According to initial reports, police first learned about the incident when they received a 911 call about a shooting early on Sunday, March 10th. They rushed out to the apartment complex on Sterling Place by Franklin Avenue and were directed to the basement.
Police discovered 40-year-old Lavel Fraiser had been shot in the torso and was in critical condition. He was promptly rushed to Kings County Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. He was declared deceased at the hospital.
Investigators learned that Fraiser regularly spent a lot of time in the basement where he was shot. Friends of the deceased explained that several people in the building gather in the area to hang out, do cookouts, and simply spend time together with other members of the community.
Sadly, Fraiser has left behind a devoted spouse and four children. His building was only a few blocks away from the hangout area, and the community is baffled over who could’ve committed this seemingly senseless act. Police in Brooklyn are continuing to investigate what happened and attempt to identify the gunman. Unfortunately, this recent tragedy was the fourth homicide to occur in the 77th Precinct since the start of 2024. By this same time last year, only one homicide had occurred in the same time frame.
Murder, Shootings, and Firearms-Related Crimes
When things have escalated out of control and you shoot someone else, the situation is as dire as you’d think. Even worse, if that shooting results in a fatal wound, then you’ve made an irreversible mistake.
That said, you are capable of facing the consequences of your actions. You always have the right to defend yourself against criminal charges, so your best option is to quickly get in touch with an attorney about your situation.
If you genuinely didn’t intend to cause a fatal wound, then there are defense strategies that you can rely on to help argue why your criminal penalties should be reduced. Similarly, if the other person was also threatening you, then you may not even face penalties at all, especially if that other person’s threats put you in fear for your life. Self-defense is one of the most common legal defense strategies implemented in court. When used correctly, you could be absolved of the charges against you.
Considering the severity of your situation, you should reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible any time you’re potentially facing firearms-related or shooting charges. Firearm charges always increase the severity of existing charges, and when a shooting causes an injury or death, your criminal charges are likely going to be substantial.
Contact our team here at Bukh Law Firm now to learn more about your options, potential defense strategies, and best path forward. Our attorneys will help you come up with a solid strategy to defend yourself.
