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Floyd McNeil, age 27 of Hempstead (also known as “DOT” or “Diddy DOT”) was found guilty of multiple felonies on Monday, Nov. 27 for his role in the killing of Taffarie Haughton, the Nassau County District Attorney announced.
The verdict comes after two days of jury deliberations and almost three years to the day since the murder took place.
On November 28, 2020, Haughton, age 21, and an unnamed 19-year-old victim, walked into Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Freeport.
According to the DA’s Office, the pair headed into the park bathroom but were followed in by several Bloods gang members, who were in the park to attend a gang meeting.
When Haughton and the teen tried to leave the park, multiple gang members blocked the exit, including McNeil and his co-defendant Christopher Anderson.
That’s when McNeil and Anderson started shooting.
Haughton was hit twice – once in the chest, which pierced his heart and lung, and once in his left foot. The 19-year-old was struck in the shoulder.
Both were taken to local hospitals, where Haughton was pronounced dead and the teen was treated for his injuries.
Seven shell casings were reportedly found at the scene.
McNeil is currently serving 25 years after he was convicted of another shooting in Hempstead in 2019.
“Floyd McNeil is an exceptionally dangerous gang member who has left a trail of destruction in Hempstead and Freeport,” said DA Anne T. Donnelly.
“Our communities are undoubtedly safer now that McNeil has been found guilty of murder by a jury of his peers.”
McNeil was convicted of the following charges:
- Murder;
- Attempted murder;
- Attempted assault; and
- Criminal possession of a weapon, two counts.
Anderson was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison for his role in the shooting.
He is due back for sentencing on Wednesday, Jan. 31, where he faces a potential maximum sentence of 65 years to life in prison.
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