The New York Police Department is dismayed to report that at least five individuals have lost their lives over an 11-hour span in New York City. According to police, the day of violence began in the afternoon on June 19. A 48-year-old New York resident, Howard Ferguson, was reportedly in a bodega in his regular spot when he was suddenly shot in the back.
Upon investigating the shooting, the victim’s daughter told police that she believes her father had a specific enemy who had been harassing him for more than a week. The suspect allegedly confronted the victim before punching him. A physical altercation ensued. The attacker allegedly backed off but later returned with a firearm.
Emergency responders rushed out to the scene of the shooting, and Ferguson was taken to a nearby medical center where he was pronounced deceased.
While authorities haven’t found proof of the daughter’s claims, they did arrest a suspect later that evening. Oriean Dorsett has been charged with murder, manslaughter, and possession of a firearm.
Just two hours after this horrific attack, police were rushed out to respond to another shooting on Longfellow Ave. Authorities believe that a suspect walked up and unloaded two shots at point-blank at the victim’s neck. Witnesses called 911, but officials pronounced the victim deceased after he was rushed to a hospital. The suspect got away on foot.
Three hours later at around 5:45 P.M., a 16-year-old boy was also fatally shot in the head by two gunmen who were reportedly wearing blue face masks. The shooting happened on Marcus Garvey Blvd.
Four hours after that, a 38-year-old man was shot in the head outside of his apartment building in Harlem. An hour after that, 56-year-old Correction Officer Kevin Roberts was also fatally shot multiple times.
Police will continue to investigate this string of violent shootings.
You Always Have a Right to Legal Representation
Murder is one of the most serious crimes you can face in New York, but the severity of your charges never negates your very important right to legal representation. Every accused individual in the United States is considered innocent until proven guilty, and they’re also all afforded the right to hire legal representation. If you’ve been accused of a crime, then you should always utilize your right to hire an attorney. This is especially true if you’re facing violent criminal charges that could result in life-long consequences if you’re convicted.
A good criminal defense attorney can explain your charges in greater detail with you as well as go over your possible legal defenses. There are always viable strategies to defend yourself against criminal allegations, even when you’re facing charges as serious as murder. One of the most common defense strategies is to argue that the shooting was in self-defense. Another common defense is to produce a solid alibi to prove your innocence.
If you’re in Brooklyn or a nearby area, then we can help. Schedule a consultation with our firm now to discuss your situation in more detail with one of our best attorneys.
