Four Admit To New Year's Eve Murder Of 13-Year-Old Innocent Bystander In Westchester

David Hardy, Marquis Collier, Jermaine hugely, and Sincere Savoy, members of the “Goonies” street gang pleaded guilty on Thursday, Oct. 1 for their roles in the death of McKenzie in Mount Vernon, who was struck by a stray bullet intended for a purported rival gang member.

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Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said that to fund their gang and maintain a stranglehold in the city, the Goonies committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, and robbery.

The gang also allegedly conspired to distribute narcotics in the area, possessed, and used weapons and firearms to further their influence in Westchester.

On Dec. 31, 2016, the four suspects attempted to murder a rival gang member in broad daylight by firing multiple bullets at him near the intersection of Tecumseh Avenue and Third Street in Mount Vernon.

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The gang member suffered non-life-threatening injuries, but McKenzie, who was a passenger in a passing car, was struck in the head and killed.

Hardy, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of using a firearm in connection with the murder of Shamoya McKenzie in aid of racketeering and one count of using a firearm in connection with an assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering for committing a separate shooting in furtherance of the Goonies. 

Collier, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy and one count of discharging a firearm in connection with the murder of Shamoya McKenzie in aid of racketeering.

Hughley, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy and one count of discharging a firearm in connection with the murder of Shamoya McKenzie in aid of racketeering.

Savoy, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of using a firearm in connection with the murder of Shamoya McKenzie in aid of racketeering.

Each faces a maximum term of life in prison. No sentencing date has been announced.

“On Dec. 31, 2016, David Hardy, Marquis Collier, Jermaine Hughley, and Sincere Savoy shot at a rival gang member, injuring him and killing 13-year-old Shamoya McKenzie, cutting short her young and promising life,” Strauss said. “Now all four of them face significant time in prison for their participation in senseless gun violence.”

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