Former gang member Elijah Bermudez, also known as ‘Quiet,’ has pleaded guilty to the June 2020 murder of 16-year-old Frederick Wells in Poughkeepsie. The shooting, part of a violent feud between the Bully Hard Bloods and their rivals, Gorilla Stone, marked the first of two tragic deaths. Bermudez admitted his role as the shooter during a chaotic clash that led to the death of an innocent bystander.
United States Attorney Damian Williams highlighted the gravity of the crime, noting that the plea serves as a stark reminder of the relentless pursuit of gang violence by law enforcement in New York. ‘In a tragic three-month stretch in 2020,’ said Williams, ‘gang violence between Bully Hard and Gorilla Stone led to two senseless murders of minors.’
Bermudez was an associate of the Bully Hard gang from early 2020 until April 2022, during which time he participated in numerous criminal activities, including murder, robberies, drug trafficking, and fraud. The violence wasn’t confined to external disputes; internal disagreements within Bully Hard also led to shootings and assaults among its members.
The night of June 20, 2020, Bermudez and another member of Bully Hard engaged in a physical fight with Gorilla Stone members. During the confrontation, Bermudez stabbed one of them, picked up a dropped gun, and shot Wells as he tried to flee. Wells, who was not involved in any gang activities, died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Bermudez, 31, has pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, being a felon in possession of ammunition, and conspiracy to possess ammunition after a felony conviction. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years for the racketeering charge, 10 years for the firearms offense, and five years for the ammunition conspiracy. His sentencing is scheduled for October 17, 2024.
Brandon Soto, a leader in the Gorilla Stone gang, was previously sentenced to 35 years for his role in planning the retaliatory murder of 15-year-old Jalani Jones, which occurred three months after Wells’ death. The ongoing investigation into the brutal Bully Hard Bloods gang continues as authorities work to bring justice to all victims.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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