SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY—District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced today that Steven Reid, 27, from Calverton, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. Reid pleaded guilty to attempted murder, assault, and other related charges for his involvement in a shooting during a candlelight vigil in Bellport in July 2023, and an attack on a corrections officer in December 2023 while he was in custody.

The incident at the vigil occurred on July 6, 2023, where over 100 people had gathered to remember a community member who recently died in a motorcycle accident. According to reports, Reid engaged in a physical altercation with another man at the vigil, subsequently shooting him in the upper right thigh, seriously injuring him. The victim required emergency surgery to repair a shattered femur.

Calverton man who shot up candlelight vigil gets 14 years in prison — Photo: calverton man who shot up candlelight vigil gets 14 years in prison

Shortly after the initial attack, Reid continued his assault, shooting at another group of attendees, resulting in a man receiving gunshot wounds to his back, shoulder, and legs. Reid’s violent spree didn’t stop there; he also fired at a woman twice and targeted another group, including a child, as they attempted to flee.

Reid was later apprehended in North Carolina and returned to Suffolk County for trial. While in custody at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility, he further demonstrated violent behavior by assaulting a corrections officer without provocation.

Justice Anthony Senft of the Supreme Court handed down the sentence on May 22, 2024, after Reid admitted to his crimes in April. Reid was represented by the Legal Aid Society throughout his trial. District Attorney Tierney emphasized the relentless pursuit of justice by his office to maintain community safety and uphold the rule of law.

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