A man has been found guilty of manslaughter in the shooting death of Carey Gabay, a former aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Gabay died in the crossfire of a gang shootout in 2015 ahead of the West Indian American Day parade in Crown Heights.
Kenny Bazile
went to trial separately from three other suspects on charges including murder, criminal possession of a weapon, manslaughter and reckless endangerment.
Bazile's lawyer argued during the trial that his client was defending himself and was not an active participant in the alleged gang battle. Jurors apparently disagreed, siding with prosecutors who said Bazile actively took part in the shootout.
He now faces up to 15 years in prison.
"This defendant took part in a shooting war amid hundreds of revelers," said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. "With today's verdict, he has been held accountable."
Micah Alleyne, Stanley Elianor and Keith Luncheon face similar charges. Deliberations are ongoing in their joint trial.
As News 12 has reported, a fifth suspect, Tyshawn Crawford, pleaded guilty in a deal with prosecutors that will spare him from life imprisonment in exchange for his testimony against the other men.
In a statement, Gov. Cuomo welcomed the verdict but noted that the shooting left a hole in Gabay's family.
"Nothing can bring Carey back to his wife Trenelle, his family and all those who loved him," Cuomo said. "But I hope this guilty verdict gives them some comfort that justice has been served. Carey will be forever missed."