QUEENS, N.Y. – A Queens man who admitted fatally shooting a 49-year-old Long Island man outside a funeral in Jamaica has been sentenced to 24 years in prison, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office.
Joseph Gilbert Stevens, 34, of Jamaica, pleaded guilty in July to first-degree manslaughter in the killing of Richard Carter of Valley Stream. Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant imposed the 24-year prison sentence Friday, followed by five years of post-release supervision.
- Stevens pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in July for killing Richard Carter.
- Prosecutors said Stevens shot Carter four times outside a funeral in Jamaica on April 10.
- Stevens received 24 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.
Prosecutors Say Stevens Shot Carter Outside Funeral
According to prosecutors, Stevens rode a Citi Bike to the intersection of Merrick Boulevard and Sayres Avenue in Queens at approximately 2:12 p.m. April 10.
He was there to attend a funeral at Shekinah Youth Chapel, part of Greater Allen AME Cathedral in Jamaica. Prosecutors said Stevens entered the service, approached the casket and then left the chapel.
Five minutes later, Stevens encountered Carter as the Valley Stream man walked toward the chapel on Sayres Avenue.
Prosecutors said Stevens ran toward Carter and shot him four times before fleeing.
“The defendant acted without consideration or respect for an entire community when he brazenly fired a gun outside a funeral and killed Richard Carter,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.
Katz said the attack continued after Carter fell to the street.
“Joseph Gilbert Stevens shot Carter at point-blank range and, after the victim collapsed onto the street behind the hearse, the defendant stood over the victim’s body and continued to shoot him,” Katz said.
Carter was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his gunshot injuries.
Stevens Arrested Day After Fatal Shooting
Stevens fled following the shooting but was apprehended the following day, according to prosecutors.
He ultimately pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in July rather than proceeding to trial.
Justice Pandit-Durant sentenced Stevens to 24 years in state prison and ordered him to serve an additional five years of post-release supervision.
“We hope today’s sentence provides a measure of comfort to the victim’s friends and family,” Katz said.
Senior Assistant District Attorney Kanella Georgopoulos of the Queens District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau prosecuted the case.
Joseph Gilbert Stevens received a 24-year prison sentence.
The 34-year-old Queens man also received five years of post-release supervision after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter.
Richard Carter was shot four times outside a funeral.
Prosecutors said Carter was walking toward the chapel when Stevens ran toward him and opened fire.
Stevens was arrested the day after the killing.
Prosecutors said he fled after the shooting but was apprehended the following day and later pleaded guilty in July.
Sources: Queens District Attorney’s Office
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