Michael Wright and Lawrence Sims were indicted by a grand jury for the incident which left one man dead and two injured
MINEOLA, N.Y. – Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce A. Smith announced the indictment of two men who are charged for their roles in a Fourth of July shootout at a Roosevelt block party, in which a man was killed and two others were injured.
Michael Wright, 34, and Lawrence Sims, 29, of Roosevelt, were indicted by a grand jury on August 13, 2021.
Wright was arraigned today before Judge Tammy Robbins. Sims was arraigned on September 10, 2021.
Wright is charged with murder in the second degree (an A-I felony), attempted murder in the second degree (a B violent felony), assault in the first degree (a B violent felony), assault in the second degree (a D violent felony), and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (a C violent felony). If convicted of the top charge, Wright faces up to life in prison.
Sims has been charged with attempted murder in the second degree, criminal use of a firearm in the first degree (a B violent felony), and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. If convicted of the top charge, Sims faces up to 25 years in prison.
“A traditional Fourth of July block party turned deadly when these two defendants – allegedly in a verbal argument – pulled guns and fired indiscriminately at one another,” said Acting DA Smith. “Party goers were screaming and running away from the gunfire. Unfortunately, 27-year-old Tavon Greenhill was struck in the back of the head and killed. These senseless acts rob our residents of the safety they deserve. NCDA is committed to bringing individuals, who plague our communities with gun violence, to justice.”
According to the indictment and investigation, on July 4, 2021, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Wright and Sims both attended a block party on Hudson Avenue in Roosevelt where a verbal altercation ensued between the two men. According to the investigation, Sims allegedly drew a .9 mm weapon and began firing multiple shots in Wright’s direction. No individuals were hit as a result of the gunfire.
Wright then allegedly fired a .9 mm weapon towards Sims, striking three individuals attending the block party. Tavon Greenhill, 27, was struck by a bullet in the back of the head and died as a result of his injuries. Two other victims suffered serious injuries that required hospitalization.
Wright was arrested by police on July 27, 2021. Sims was arrested on August 6, 2021.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Michelle Lewisohn of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Ryan Nelson of the County Court Trial Bureau. Wright is represented by Michael DerGarabedian, Esq. Sims is represented by Robert Schalk, Esq.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
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