Queens Man Gets 24 Years for Fatal Shooting Outside Jamaica Funeral

Joseph Gilbert Stevens, 34, shot Richard Carter four times outside a funeral in Jamaica, Queens. He was sentenced to 24 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter.

24-Year Prison Sentence for Man Who Shot Victim Outside Queens Funeral

A 34-year-old Jamaica, Queens man has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for fatally shooting a 49-year-old man outside a funeral chapel in April, patch.com reports.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday that Joseph Gilbert Stevens was convicted in connection with the death of Richard Carter, who was shot outside Shekinah Youth Chapel on Sayres Avenue — part of Greater Allen AME Cathedral.

According to prosecutors, Stevens rode a Citi Bike to the intersection of Merrick Boulevard and Sayres Avenue on April 10 at around 2:12 p.m. He entered the funeral service and approached the casket before leaving the chapel.

Approximately five minutes later, Stevens encountered Carter walking toward the chapel on Sayres Avenue. Prosecutors said he ran toward Carter and fired four shots at close range before fleeing.

Carter was transported to a nearby hospital, where he died from his wounds. Stevens was arrested the following day.

Stevens pleaded guilty in July to first-degree manslaughter. In addition to the 24-year sentence, he will serve five years of post-release supervision.

"The defendant acted without consideration or respect for an entire community when he brazenly fired a gun outside a funeral and killed Richard Carter," District Attorney Katz said in a statement.

Katz added that Stevens stood over Carter's body near the hearse and continued shooting after the victim had already collapsed onto the street. "We hope today's sentence provides a measure of comfort to the victim's friends and family," she said.

Source: Google News JM — Crime