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James Wilson, age 38, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for a fatal shooting in Hempstead in Feb. 2019, said Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly.
Wilson, of Brooklyn, was convicted in March after a jury trial, the DA's Office said.
“James Wilson made the choice to resolve an argument with 28-year-old Matthew Gilreath with extreme violence – shooting him twice in the head,” said Donnelly. “Wilson continued shooting as his victim’s limp body fell to the ground, ensuring that he had inflicted maximum damage. Now, with this prison sentence, Wilson has been held accountable for this brazen and senseless murder.”
On Feb. 18, 2019, the victim, 28-year-old Matthew Gilreath, was standing in the doorway of 100 Terrace Ave., in Hempstead when an argument broke out with Wilson, the DA's Office said.
Wilson fired six shots, striking Gilreath twice in the head, and continued to fire as Gilreath’s body was falling to the ground. Wilson was also shot once in the abdomen by the victim during the altercation, Donnelly said.
Following the shooting, co-defendant Raphael Carter, age 34, of Hempstead, took the gun from Wilson and brought it to his apartment. The weapon was never recovered, officials said.
Gilreath was taken to Nassau University Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead, the DA's Office said.
Following an investigation, Wilson was arrested on Feb. 18, 2019, and Carter was arrested on Feb. 20, 2019, by members of the Nassau County Police Department.
Carter pled guilty in 2020 and was sentenced to prison.
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