In the early hours of October 15th, police were called out to a pole dancing fitness studio after witnesses reported hearing gunshots. When officers arrived at the scene, they saw several individuals fleeing out of the building, but it remains unclear whether the pole dancing studio was hosting an event at the time of the incident or not.
There is also a dollar pizzeria on the first floor of the building unit, and it hasn’t been reported whether that business was open at the time or not.
As police surveyed the scene, they discovered a 32-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Responders determined that the victim was deceased at the scene.
No arrests were made on Sunday, but an investigation is ongoing.
This recent act of violence is devastating for the whole community. New Yorkers have seen a sharp decrease in murders in the Midtown South precinct this year. So far, only three homicides have occurred, which is only half the number of murders that had occurred by this same time in 2022.
Murders are also down in the entire state. According to police, only 311 homicides happened by October 18, 2023, which is 10% fewer violent deaths that were reported in the same time frame last year. By the same date in 2022, there were at least 346 reported murders in the city.
When Violent Crime Turns Fatal
While some people do intentionally set out to commit murder, most murders occur in the heat of the moment or during a violent act that turns unexpectedly or unintentionally fatal. Unfortunately for perpetrators of this violence, the law views murder as the most severe criminal act, so the penalties associated with the crime are also the most extreme.
In New York, the intentional and willful killing of another person is considered a class A felony, which means you could be sentenced to life in prison if you get convicted of this crime.
Even if you don’t get convicted to a life sentence, you’ll likely get sentenced to a lengthy term. What’s more, even once you get out of prison, you’ll likely get sentenced to a lengthy probation term. You’ll also lose certain rights for the duration of your life including the right to vote and carry a firearm.
One of the best ways to defend yourself against murder charges is to hire a solid criminal defense attorney to help. Depending on your circumstances, you could have several different defense strategies available to you. You may be able to argue that the death was accidental, that there isn’t enough evidence against you, or produce a solid alibi that proves your innocence.
If you did commit the crime, then it may be your best option to work with Prosecutors towards a more favorable legal outcome in exchange for a guilty plea to a reduced or lower charge. Before you take such a deal, however, be sure to consult with an attorney.
Schedule a consultation with our office now to learn more about your options.
