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William Sanders died Friday, Sept. 30 in Albany after being shot at a home on Hamilton Street, according to Albany Police.
His accused killer, 20-year-old Brian Moses, of Albany, was later arrested following a standoff with police that lasted for several hours.
He pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder Tuesday, Oct. 11, in Albany County Supreme Court.
Investigators did not elaborate on the relationship between the two or say what led up to the shooting.
Meanwhile, Sanders’ family and friends must now cope with his unexpected loss.
An Albany native, Sanders attended Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology, and Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School, according to his obituary.
He graduated from Albany High School in June 2022.
An avid boxer, Sanders could often be found at the Quail Street Boxing Gym, where he received his Silver Gloves in 2018, his memorial said.
He also enjoyed soccer, baseball, and karate, and loved spending time with his family.
Sanders was also active at the New Life Church of Christ Apostolic Faith Inc., in Albany, his memorial said, serving as a memorial service attendant and Bible bearer.
He was also a member of the church’s youth choir and an active member of the youth department.
“I had the pleasure of teaching this sweet boy for part of his third grade year at Delaware Community School,” Susan Schiavoni wrote on his memorial page.
“When I saw his name in the news I was praying it wasn’t the same William I had in class. My heart breaks for his family.”
“From the moment I met William, I knew he was special,” Jennifer Quinn wrote.
“He had a quiet soul, big heart and bright smile that could light up a room. My heart is with his family. He will be missed.”
Sanders is survived by his mother and father, Wakenda Ellis and Ernest Sanders; sisters, Ebony, Brianna, and Destiny; brother, Ernest Jr.; and many aunts, uncles and grandparents, his memorial said.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Oct. 8, at New Comer Cremations & Funerals in Colonie.
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