Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that BATISE BOYCE was sentenced to 15 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman. BOYCE pled guilty on September 8, 2022, to one count of possessing a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony and one count of possessing a firearm in a school zone.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Today’s sentence demonstrates the importance and success of the Triggerlock program in bringing together state, local, and federal law enforcement to ensure that repeat firearm offenders receive appropriate sentences for their crimes. I greatly appreciate our law enforcement partners as they work with us to ensure that deadly firearms and violent offenders stay off the streets of our communities.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment and statements made during court proceedings and filings:
BOYCE, 45, of the Bronx, New York, possessed an illegal semiautomatic handgun from at least August 2, 2020, until November 6, 2020, when he was arrested with the gun by officers of the New York City Police Department. Prior to possessing the gun, BOYCE had been convicted of at least six prior felonies, including robbery, an assault with a firearm, and a slashing attack with a knife. On August 2, 2020, BOYCE used the gun to shoot a victim in the head, although the victim fortunately survived. The next night, during an argument, BOYCE struck a second victim in the face with the gun, causing him to bleed, then shot the victim in the back as he attempted to walk away. One of the victim’s legs was amputated as a result.
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Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the New York City Police Department.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagan Scotten is in charge of the prosecution.