New York, NY – Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. announced that Terrence Haynes, 46, has been sentenced to 12½ to 25 years in state prison for orchestrating a conspiracy that led to the fatal shooting of Timothy “TJ” Parker during a dispute over drugs and money.
Haynes was convicted by a New York State Supreme Court jury on April 8 of one count of second-degree conspiracy. Prosecutors said he directed the murder plot while incarcerated, recruiting others to retaliate against Parker over an alleged drug debt.
Prosecutors say conspiracy began behind bars
According to trial evidence, Haynes had an ongoing dispute with Parker in 2022 over money connected to a drug operation near the New York City Housing Authority’s George Washington Houses in East Harlem.
While in jail, Haynes enlisted Luis Roman to help carry out retaliation against Parker through a series of recorded jail phone calls. Roman, in turn, communicated Haynes’ plans to Shaun McClam.
Prosecutors said Haynes became increasingly frustrated when Parker stopped accepting his calls. On Oct. 1, 2022, Haynes instructed another co-conspirator to threaten Parker, warning that if he did not surrender “everything” immediately, he would “get his head bust.”
Surveillance preceded fatal shooting
In the days before the killing, prosecutors said McClam used his cellphone to record Parker and the hallway outside his apartment.
On Oct. 24, 2022, McClam allegedly disguised himself with a black wig and delivery worker clothing before riding an e-bike to Parker’s apartment building. Authorities said he spent hours changing his appearance and moving through the building before confronting Parker.
At approximately 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 25, McClam shot Parker multiple times outside his apartment, striking him in the body and head. Parker died at the scene.
Investigators said McClam and Roman exchanged messages after the shooting, including texts saying Roman could “get some good rest now” and “sleep good,” while also sharing updates from the Citizen app.
Co-defendants previously sentenced
Roman previously pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and second-degree conspiracy and was sentenced in March to 13 years in state prison.
McClam pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and second-degree conspiracy and received a sentence of 20 years to life.
“Terrence Haynes has been held accountable and will serve a significant prison sentence for orchestrating the senseless killing of Timothy Parker,” District Attorney Bragg said. “While nothing can bring Mr. Parker back, I hope this sentence brings his family and loved ones a measure of justice as they continue to grieve their loss.”
Related: Manhattan, Alvin Bragg, East Harlem, Murder, Crime
