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Posted on: August 5, 2022

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for 2019 Fatal Shooting

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James Wilson shot and killed 28-year-old Matthew Gilreath at 100 Terrace Avenue in Hempstead

MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced a Brooklyn man was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for a fatal shooting in Hempstead in February 2019.

James Wilson, 38, was convicted in March 2022 after a jury trial before Judge Howard Sturim of charges including Murder in the Second Degree (an A-I felony) and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (a C violent felony). He was sentenced on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, to 25 years to life in prison and five years’ post release supervision.

“James Wilson made the choice to resolve an argument with 28-year-old Matthew Gilreath with extreme violence – shooting him twice in the head,” said DA Donnelly. “Wilson continued shooting as his victim’s limp body fell to the ground, ensuring that he had inflicted maximum damage. Now, with this prison sentence, Wilson has been held accountable for this brazen and senseless murder.”

DA Donnelly said on February 18, 2019, at approximately 2:44 am, the victim, 28-year-old Matthew Gilreath, was standing in the doorway of 100 Terrace Avenue in Hempstead when an argument broke out with the defendant. Wilson fired six shots, striking Gilreath twice in the head, and continued to fire as Gilreath’s body was falling to the ground. The defendant was also shot once in the abdomen by the victim during the altercation. 

Following the shooting, co-defendant Raphael Carter, 34, of Hempstead, took the gun from Wilson and brought it to his apartment. The weapon was never recovered. 

Gilreath was taken to Nassau University Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead. 

The defendant was treated for his gunshot wound at NYU Winthrop Hospital.

Following an investigation, Wilson was arrested on February 18, 2019, and Carter was arrested on February 20, 2019, by members of the Nassau County Police Department.

Carter pled guilty on January 30, 2020, to criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree (a D violent felony) and tampering with physical evidence (an E felony). He was sentenced on September 3, 2020. 

Senior Litigation Counsel Ania Pulaski of the Homicide Bureau prosecuted this case. The defendant is represented by Christopher Cassar, Esq.

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