Two men have been charged in the July 2020 murder of Davell Gardner Jr., who was just 22 months old when he was fatally struck by a stray bullet while sitting in a wheelchair at a restaurant in Brooklyn, New York.
The men, Dashawn Austin, 28, and Akeem Artis, 27, were sentenced May 8 after being convicted in April on charges related to Gardner’s death, as well as other charges, according to a news release from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office.
The statement said both men – who were arrested in connection with the fatal shooting in May 2021 – were members of a “violent street gang” called the Hoolies. According to evidence presented at trial, “the Hoolies’ reasons for committing acts of violence included retaliation against rival gangs and a display of gang strength.”
Program from the funeral of Davell Gardner Jr.
Scott Heins/Getty
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said that according to evidence, Austin was seen getting into the Audi driven by Artis on July 12, 2020.
The men drove to Madison Street, where Gardner attended a cookout at Raymond Bush Playground, according to the release. Austin then fired into the park, hitting four people, including Gardner, who was shot in the abdomen and later died.
The other victims were three male adults, ages 27, 35 and 36, who were also hospitalized with gunshot wounds, the NYPD previously told PEOPLE.
Austin was convicted of second-degree murder and Artis was convicted of manslaughter in Gardner’s shooting death, according to the release.
Austin was also convicted of three counts of attempted second-degree murder, while Artis was convicted of three counts of attempted first-degree assault in connection with the other three victims of the July 2020 shooting.
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Davell Gardner Jr. Kindness
In addition to Gardner’s fatal shooting, the men were also convicted of other charges in connection with other “gang-related murders and shootings,” according to the release.
In a statement, Gonzalez said, “Today’s long sentences must send a message to those who engage in gun violence that it will not be tolerated in Brooklyn. The senseless gang rivalry perpetrated by these defendants left six people injured and three dead, including Davell Gardner Jr., who was shot in the abdomen.”
“Little Davell never got to celebrate his second birthday,” Gonzalez continued, adding, “My heart breaks for his mother and father and all the families and victims affected by such devastating gun violence. I commend my prosecutors and the NYPD for their determination to bring these defendants to justice.”
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Monument to Davell Gardner Jr. at Raymond Bush Field in Brooklyn.
LAURA BONILLA CAL/AFP via Getty
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During a press briefing following Gardner’s death in 2020, former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio called the toddler’s death “heartbreaking” and said the prevalence of gun violence was a “tragedy.”
“Davell was just starting his life, and his life was full of possibilities,” added ua statement in that time. “This is nothing we can allow in our city and it’s heartbreaking.”
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Source: HIS Education