A Sentencing Hearing Concludes with Life Imprisonment for Ambush Shooting

MINEOLA, N.Y., March 24, 2023 - In an ongoing effort to combat gang violence in Nassau County, District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced today that Sharayda Washington has been sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole after being found guilty on multiple felony charges related to a deadly shooting incident.

On February 18th, 2019, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Washington ambushed and fired ten shots from his vehicle towards two rival gang members near Main Street in West Hempstead. The brazen attack resulted in the tragic loss of life for one victim, a 16-year-old boy, while another teen sustained serious injuries.

The investigation into this senseless crime was led by Detectives Robert Sisti Jr., Michael V. Ryan, and Det. Sgt. Kevin Kehoe from the Nassau County Police Department's Major Case Bureau Homicide Section under the command of Acting Chief Steven C. 'Last Name'. The District Attorney would like to extend her deepest condolences to the families who have been forever changed by this senseless act of violence.

Washington, 26 years old at the time of his arrest, was arraigned on March 18th, 2023, in Central Islip First District Court before Magistrate Judge Steven E. 'Last Name'. He pleaded not guilty to one count each of Murder Second Degree (a B violent felony), Attempted Murder Second Degree (an A-I felony), Assault Second Degree (a D violent felony) and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third degree (D felonies).

The case was investigated by Nassau County Police Department's Homicide Section with assistance from the District Attorney's Gang Suppression Unit under the command of Chief William J. 'Last Name'. Assistant District Attorneys Timothy Sweeney, Nicole M. 'Last Name', and Jennifer G. 'Last Name' represented the people at trial.

'The senseless loss of life in our communities will not be tolerated,' said DA Donnelly. 'I want to extend my deepest condolences to the families who have been forever impacted by this tragedy. I would like to thank all those involved, including Detectives Robert Sisti Jr., Michael V. Ryan and Det. Sgt. Kevin K. 'Last Name' of the Nassau County Police Department's Major Case Bureau H whose tireless efforts led us to bring justice for these victims today.'

'The defendant's actions on that fateful night left two families shattered forever,' said DA Donnelly. 'I hope this verdict serves as a powerful reminder that our communities will not stand idly by while senseless acts of violence continue to plague our streets.

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