SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. – Michael Gilbert, 29, of Riverhead, has been convicted of Second Degree Murder and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. The verdict comes after a jury trial for the fatal shooting of Tyrell Durham in 2021.
Evidence presented during the trial indicated that on November 26, 2021, shortly after midnight, Gilbert engaged in a verbal altercation with Durham, 37, of Moriches, over a phone call. The dispute escalated, leading Gilbert to challenge Durham to confront him outside.
Moments later, Gilbert shot Durham six times, with three bullets hitting their mark. Durham was pronounced dead within an hour of being transported to Long Island Community Hospital in East Patchogue.
Eyewitness testimonies, including those from the victim’s girlfriend and Gilbert’s girlfriend, Lashonda Coles, played a crucial role in the trial. DNA evidence from a sandal found at the scene also linked Gilbert to the crime.
On Tuesday, Gilbert was convicted and is set to appear in court on November 2, for sentencing. He faces up to 40 years to life in prison.
