UTICA, NY – Willie Linder, 36, and Shakeal Hendricks, 30, both from Utica, have been recently indicted in relation to a shooting investigation that left a 12-year-old juvenile and an adult male injured. The case originally began on August 16, 2022, when the Utica Police and Fire Units were dispatched to the 1400 block of Whitesboro St following a report of a young gunshot victim. Upon their arrival, they found the 12-year-old victim, who was attending a candlelight vigil when gunshots were fired.
Later on the same night, a call for another gunshot victim was received. A 29-year-old male was found at Sunset St and Oswego St with multiple gunshot wounds. At the scene, over twenty 9mm casings and five vehicles struck by gunfire were identified.
On February 1, 2023, members of the New York/New Jersey US Marshall’s Task Force, UPD Warrants and Special Investigations Unit, The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, and US Federal Probation located and arrested Linder and Hendricks. Both face multiple charges including Assault in the first degree and Attempted Assault in the first degree. Hendricks was additionally charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree. Additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Major Crimes Unit at (315) 223-3556 or to submit an anonymous tip online through Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers.
