Introduction to the Incident
The wounded gunman who allegedly started a Harlem shootout that ended in a beloved grandmother’s death hid his face Thursday afternoon as he was wheeled into court.
Twenty-three-year-old Darious Smith hid his face Thursday afternoon as he was wheeled into court.
Photo by Dean Moses
The Incident Unfolds
The wounded gunman who allegedly started a Harlem shootout that ended in a beloved grandmother’s death hid his face Thursday afternoon as he was wheeled into court. Darious Smith, 23, wore a Tyvek suit and sat in a wheelchair as police pushed him to face arraignment at 100 Centre St. on April 24. Refusing to answer for the shootout, Smith tugged his white hood down over his face with one hand while the other was cuffed to the wheelchair. Police sources report that Smith was the powder keg that ignited the deadly shooting.
The Events Leading to the Shooting
Police sources say Smith engaged in an argument with another man before allegedly pulling out a gun and opening fire along West 113th Street and Lenox Avenue at around 10:40 p.m. on April 22. While the shots did not connect, his rival returned fire, striking Smith in the left foot.
The Tragic Consequences
During the firefight, local business pioneer and a beloved grandmother, 61-year-old Excenia Mette, heard the commotion and left her building to check on her grandson, only to be struck in the head by a stray bullet. She collapsed on the sidewalk.
Excenia Mette, killed by a stray bullet in Harlem, was a pioneering black business owner and a staple of the community.
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Officers from the 28th Precinct responded to the shooting. EMS rushed Mette to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
The Aftermath
Twenty-three-year-old Darious Smith hid his face Thursday afternoon as he was wheeled into court.
Photo by Dean Moses
Mette was affectionately known in the Harlem community as Momma Zee and owned a eatery Momma Zee’s Food to Plez Deli located at 2061 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.
“This is a horrific, horrific incident that took the life of a grandmother,” Mayor Eric Adams said Wednesday.
Charges and Investigation
Smith has been charged with attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon. The gunman who fired the fatal bullet remains on the lam.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the devastating consequences of gun violence and the importance of community engagement in preventing such tragedies. The death of Excenia Mette, a beloved member of the Harlem community, serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of violence and to support those affected by it.
FAQs
Q: What happened in the Harlem shootout?
A: A shootout occurred in Harlem, resulting in the death of a 61-year-old grandmother, Excenia Mette, who was struck by a stray bullet.
Q: Who is Darious Smith?
A: Darious Smith is the 23-year-old gunman who allegedly started the shootout.
Q: What charges has Smith been facing?
A: Smith has been charged with attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
Q: Is the investigation still ongoing?
A: Yes, the investigation is still ongoing, and the gunman who fired the fatal bullet remains at large.
Q: How can I provide information about the shooting?
A: You can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org.
