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Michael Wright, age 34, and Lawrence Sims, age 29, from Roosevelt, were indicted by a grand jury on Friday, Aug. 13, according to an announcement from Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith on Monday, Sept. 27.
Wright was arraigned on Monday, and Sims was arraigned on Friday, Sept. 10.
“A traditional Fourth of July block party turned deadly when these two defendants – allegedly in a verbal argument – pulled guns and fired indiscriminately at one another,” Smith said. “Partygoers were screaming and running away from the gunfire. Unfortunately, 27-year-old Tavon Greenhill was struck in the back of the head and killed. These senseless acts rob our residents of the safety they deserve."
Smith said Wright was charged with the following:
- Second-degree murder
- Second-degree attempted murder
- First-degree assault
- Second-degree assault
- Second-degree criminal possession of a weapon
The DA's Office said Sims was charged with:
- Second-degree attempted murder
- First-degree criminal use of a firearm
- Second-degree criminal possession of a weapon
Investigators reported that on Sunday, July 4, at about 7:30 p.m., Wright and Sims attended a block party on Hudson Avenue in Roosevelt.
The two began arguing, and Sims allegedly drew a .9 mm weapon and fired shots in Wright's direction, Smith said. No one was struck.
Smith said Wright is accused of firing a .9 mm toward Sims, striking three people who were attending the party. Tavon Greenhill was struck in the back of his head and died from his injuries.
The two other people who were struck were hospitalized for serious injuries.
Smith said Wright was arrested on Tuesday, July 27, and Sims was arrested on Friday, Aug. 6.
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