BROOKLYN, NY—Darrien Weekes, 26, of Bushwick, was sentenced today to 25 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Malik Russell in Bedford-Stuyvesant, a crime stemming from a 2019 dispute.
Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Heidi Cesare handed down the sentence, which also includes five years of post-release supervision, following Weekes’ guilty plea to first-degree manslaughter on April 17.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez commented on the case, stating, “Today’s sentence ensures that this defendant will spend many years behind bars for a senseless and deadly act of gun violence.” He expressed sympathy for the victim’s family, acknowledging their ongoing grief.
The incident, which led to Russell’s death, occurred in the early hours of June 1, 2019. Surveillance footage captured the moment Weekes fired at Russell three times, hitting him in the upper chest after a brief interaction and handshake.
After the shooting, Weekes was seen taking Russell’s hat and leaving him beside a pile of garbage bags.
Oliver Kinard, 27, a co-defendant in the case, previously pleaded guilty to third-degree hindering prosecution and received a conditional discharge.
The sentencing of Weekes brings closure to a case that has loomed over the community for over five years.