Innocent Bystander Killed In Crown Heights Feared For Safety

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An innocent bystander who was shot and killed on her stoop in Crown Heights feared gun violence at the West Indian Day parade. 56-year-old Denise Gay was shot in the head by a stray bullet fired by gunman Leroy Webster, who also shot and killed Eusi Johnson after a dispute. Webster, who also shot two police officers in a massive firefight on Franklin Avenue at Park Place, remains in critical condition, and did not die as was originally reported. "She was afraid to go outside because of the parade," Gay's sister tells the Daily News, "Denise was always worried about gun violence." Gay reportedly collapsed into her daughter's arms after being shot. "She thought her mother tripped. Her mother died in her arms," Gay's sister said.

According to the Wall Street Journal, at least 9 people died and 51 people were injured by gunfire in the most violent Labor Day weekend in recent memory. In addition to last night's fatal shooting in Crown Heights, a 22-year-old man was shot to death outside the Marcy Houses on Sunday evening, and a 24-year-old man died in Brownsville late Sunday night after being shot in the head.

As of last month, overall crime was down 0.1 percent, and there were 67 fewer shootings so far in 2011 than in 2010. It appears that those gains have been erased in the span of one weekend. "It was a bad weekend, no question about that," Mr. Bloomberg said in a press conference, "And the bottom line is we've just got to redouble the efforts."

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By Christopher Robbins in News on September 6, 2011 5:15 PM

Comments [rss]

ishtar_79

I never understood why people in some parts of crown heights sit on their stoops. That particular intersection is especially seedy.

birdtird

it's almost as if you'd want to be the intended target in these circumstances to nearly guarantee that you would not be shot. RIP Ms. Gay.

Michael Chinigo

The shooter also got his intended target, Eusi Johnson. RIP Mr. Johnson, too.

RobertMosesSupposesErroneously

Wow - I always joke with my Crown Heights friends that I refuse to visit them because I don't want to get shot!

Guess I wasn't joking after all....

V. Adams

Someone was hurt man.... people were shot and that is the best response you can come up with. Hm, says a lot about your upbringing. Anyhoooooo, RIP Ms. Gay, and to anyone who lost someone during the holiday. My condolences.