New York City’s southern district has witnessed a severe blow to gang violence after Robert Wade and Darrius Christopher were each handed 14- and over 11-year sentences for their role in a shocking playground shooting.
According to the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein imposed the harsh penalties on December 7, 2022. The duo was convicted following a trial, with Wade receiving 168 months and Christopher 137 months in prison.
Wade and Christopher were dropped off by a car near Slattery Playground on October 25, 2019, where they fired upon a group of young people, wounding three. Their motive? Retribution for online insults against their gang. The shooting was a chilling reminder of the dangers posed by gang activity in the community.
Judge Stein labeled the crime ‘horrific,’ emphasizing that innocent bystanders were attacked simply because they had been called names. Both defendants, aged 31 and 34 respectively, have previous convictions for serious offenses, including attempted robbery and assault.
The sentences were a testament to the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies like the New York City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration in combating violent crime. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan B. Finkel and Mollie E. Bracewell led the prosecution.
Robert Wade and Darrius Christopher will now serve lengthy prison terms, followed by three years of supervised release, as they attempt to atone for their brutal actions.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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