Shrone Wright, 52, of Poughkeepsie, was sentenced on Thursday, May 28, by Dutchess County Court Judge Jessica Segal following his conviction earlier this year for first-degree manslaughter in the death of 50-year-old William Gearhart, known to many as "Captain Bill," Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi announced on Friday, May 29.
As previously reported by Daily Voice, Wright was found guilty on March 12 after a nine-day jury trial and just over three hours of deliberations.
Prosecutors said the jury concluded that on the evening of Nov. 6, 2024, Wright became involved in a physical altercation with Gearhart in the area of Pershing Avenue in the City of Poughkeepsie. During the confrontation, Wright stabbed Gearhart once in the upper torso, causing his death.
Parisi called the killing a "senseless and needless act of violence."
In addition to the prison term, Wright will serve five years of post-release supervision.
The investigation was conducted by the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, which located witnesses, collected surveillance footage, and used license plate reader technology to develop leads. The New York State Police and the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department also helped with the investigation.
Unit Chief Frank Petramale and Deputy Unit Chief Robert DeMono prosecuted the case.
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