Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the sentencing of Devante Richards to 23 years to life in prison for the shooting death of 25-year-old Jonathan Distant at a crowded house party in Springfield Gardens in August 2020. Richards, 30, of Montgomery Street in Brooklyn, was convicted by a jury on charges of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
The incident occurred on August 9, 2020, around 2:15 a.m., when Richards and his friends arrived at a party in Springfield Gardens. Approximately 100 guests were present, with an additional 50 waiting to enter. An altercation ensued after one of Richards’ friends bumped into Distant, leading to a staredown between the two. Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, Richards approached Distant and shot him in the abdomen.
The gunfire prompted chaos as partygoers fled the scene, with additional shots fired from other firearms. Despite medical intervention, Distant, a Bronx resident, succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
District Attorney Katz emphasized the tragedy of Distant’s senseless death, underscoring the ongoing efforts to combat gun violence in communities. Richards was sentenced to 23 years to life for murder and 15 years for each weapon charge, to be served concurrently, by Justice Kenneth Holder.