Introduction to the Incident
One week after a 69-year-old grandmother was shot and killed while walking to her East Harlem home after grabbing lunch, a suspect was arrested and faces federal charges.
The NYPD said Faisil McCants was arrested Thursday and charged with three counts of murder, just over a week after the Aug. 27 killing of Robin Wright, who was shot near 110th Street and Madison Avenue in East Harlem.
Details of the Crime
Friends of Wright said she lived across the street from where she was killed. She was walking home after picking up lunch from one of her favorite Chinese restaurants when she was shot in the face, police said.
"It wasn’t right. One minute she’s walking, I’m waiting, and the next minute, she’s dead," said Sonya Hampton, who knew Wright. "I saw her on the ground and ain’t nothing you can do but to hold her hand and tell her that you love her."
Witnesses said they heard at least a dozen shots, but they do not believe Wright was the intended target.
Investigation and Evidence
Images from the scene showed a solitary walker, which Wright needed to get around, along with blood on a corner that was taped off with police vehicles nearby. More than a dozen shell casings were picked up at the scene, sources said.
McCants faces multiple charges in addition to murder, including robbery, weapon possession and gun possession, according to police. Federal prosecutors with the Southern District of New York alleged the 18-year-old fired 15 shots from a machine gun after trying to rob a drug dealer.
The Events Leading to the Shooting
According to the criminal complaint, McCants and two others went up to the drug dealer and soon they all started fighting. McCants and one of the others he was with grabbed backpacks full of marijuana from the dealer then took off, running up Madison Avenue.
As he ran off, McCants allegedly took out the machine gun from his sweatshirt pocket and opened fire, striking Wright.
"As alleged, after robbing a drug dealer at gunpoint, Faisil McCants fired a machine gun in the middle of the day on the busy streets of New York City, killing another person," said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.
Potential Consequences for the Suspect
If convicted, McCants could face life in prison.
Police were still looking for the other two men believed to be involved in the robbery and deadly shooting.
An investigation is ongoing.
Conclusion
The shooting of Robin Wright in East Harlem has sent shockwaves through the community, with many calling for increased safety measures and stricter gun control laws. The arrest of Faisil McCants and the charges brought against him are a step towards justice for Wright’s family and friends. However, the incident highlights the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of violence and to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
FAQs
Q: Who was the victim of the shooting in East Harlem?
A: The victim was 69-year-old Robin Wright, a grandmother who was shot and killed while walking home from lunch.
Q: Who has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting?
A: Faisil McCants, an 18-year-old, has been arrested and charged with three counts of murder, as well as robbery, weapon possession, and gun possession.
Q: What is the alleged motive behind the shooting?
A: According to federal prosecutors, McCants and two others tried to rob a drug dealer, and during the ensuing fight, McCants allegedly fired a machine gun, striking Wright.
Q: What are the potential consequences for McCants if he is convicted?
A: If convicted, McCants could face life in prison.
Q: Is the investigation into the shooting still ongoing?
A: Yes, police are still looking for the other two men believed to be involved in the robbery and deadly shooting, and an investigation is ongoing.
